Governor Scott Walker begins 2016 campaign, visits South Carolina

As a former Washingtonian and political junkie, I’m thrilled to live in a state that is key in the race for the White House.  South Carolina has the moniker of being the First in the South, as it is the first southern state to hold a primary.

As of today, there are fifteen declared GOP candidates.  Although I have already decided on a candidate, it is my goal to attend events for the other candidates.  It’s a different experience watching a candidate on TV than it is in person.

Governor Scott Walker visited South Carolina after making his announcement earlier this week.  An enthusiastic crowd of 275 people gathered at the “go-to venue” for politicians hoping to garner support: Hudson’s Smokehouse in Lexington, South Carolina.

After it was announced that Governor Walker would be a few minutes late due to travel delays, the crowd started singing “God Bless America.”

In discussing politics with my Smart Girl friends, several issues repeatedly come up: education, America’s security, and jobs.  Governor Walker addressed all three.

Regarding education standards, he said, “ I trust parents to make the right decision for their children.  Every child deserves access to a great education.”  He emphasized that federal money should be in the hands of the local school boards and that each state should have the power to set its own educational standards.

Regarding America’s security, the governor said the border must be secured, and people who entered the country illegally shouldn’t get amnesty.  He also said that ISIS – not climate change – is the biggest threat to national security. “We need to honor the men and women in uniform,” said Governor Walker, “by giving them the resources to keep us safe.”

Regarding jobs, he wants pro-growth economic policies that will help American families achieve the American dream.  Jobs should go to Americans, not people who entered the country illegally.

Governor Walker reminded the crowd that he has a reputation for doing what he said he’d do.  The crowd went wild as he listed a few things:  lowered unemployment, signed right to work legislation, defunded Planned Parenthood, passed a voter ID law, and passed the Castle Doctrine.  “If we can do all of these things in Wisconsin,” he said, “we can do this all across the USA.”