English: Scott Walker says he's battle-tested conservative

By DAN TUOHY New Hampshire Union Leader AMHERST – Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, on his first visit as a Republican presidential candidate, referred to himself Thursday as a battle-tested conservative who would work to win over New Hampshire voters.

"They want a candidate who's going to tell them what they're for - not what they're against, or who they're against," Walker said after remarks at Joey's Diner in Amherst.

The two-term governor was introduced by Cliff Hurst as a leader who took on public unions and won, and Walker used that high-profile fight to portray himself as a Washington outsider who has a record of winning difficult fights.

Walker said his record in Wisconsin included lowering taxes, defunding Planned Parenthood, securing a right to concealed carry, and requiring voters to have photo identification before casting a ballot.

“If all that can happen in a blue state like Wisconsin, imagine what we can do for the country,” he said.

Walker said his campaign is focused on reform, growth, and safety. He spoke of reducing government regulations, repealing the Affordable Care Act, ensuring that education policy is set at the local level, and implementing an “all of the above” energy policy.

Walker also criticized President Obama’s Iran nuclear deal and he promised to secure borders, rebuild the military and deliver timely health care and other benefits to veterans.

He wrapped up his remarks in the diner by pointing to the recall election, which followed his battle against collective bargaining and his support for “Right to Work” in Wisconsin. He won the recall, and later won a second term – three victories in four years.

“If you’re looking for someone who can fight and win for Americans, then I’m your candidate,” he said.

Walker later stopped at Seacoast Harley-Davidson in North Hampton before heading to Boston for a fundraiser, but he said he would return next week, and begin work on an interim goal: riding a Harley through every county.

Walker launched his campaign Monday in Wisconsin, and is now visiting the early nominating states. He is in Iowa for a Winnebago tour this weekend.

Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz has said Walker has "rigid partisan views" to please special interests, in what has become the foundation of Democrat attacks against him.

At Joey's Diner, Walker spoke of foundational beliefs, such as the American dream allowing one to work hard and play by the rules and achieve. He introduced himself as the son of a small-town preacher, a guy whose first jobs were washing dishes and flipping hamburgers at McDonald's.

Reporters asked him Thursday in New Hampshire if he was focusing more on Iowa. Walker said he is committed to the first-in-the-nation primary state, and that he’s been here six or seven times this year.

“Voters here in New Hampshire take their job seriously,” he said. “First in the nation primary.”

Walker shrugged off a question about Republican hopeful Donald J. Trump, who continues to get headlines for sharp comments on illegal immigration. Trump, he said, can speak for himself.

But Walker welcomed a chance to compare himself with Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Rodham Clinton.

“What makes us a great candidate against Hillary Clinton is three simple things,” he said. “I’m a new, fresh face. She’s a candidate of the past. I’m about as anti-Washington as you can get. She embodies everything that’s wrong with Washington. And I’ve actually gotten things done.”

Several well-known New Hampshire Republicans were sporting Walker stickers on their shirts. They included former state Sen. Jim Luther of Hollis and former Republican National Committeewoman Phyllis Woods of Dover.

“I think he has the right message. He wants to be a servant of the people,” Woods said. “He’s one of us.”

Doreen Thomas, a Republican from Merrimack, praised Walker for his comments and the passion in his speech. Too often, she said, Republicans talk a good talk, but do not follow through on it. “I think he’s great,” said Thomas, who is still undecided. “He talks from the heart.”

dtuohy@unionleader.com

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