Changes

In 2002, the Democrat Milwaukee County Executive, Tom Ament, decided to retire rather than face a recall election due to a pension scandal.<ref name="Timeline"/><ref name="Barbour"/> Walker won the election in a historic victory, becoming "the youngest person and first Republican [ever] elected to the position"<ref name="Timeline"/> in a liberal county.<ref name="Barbour"/> As Milwaukee County Executive, Walker again showed his strong conservative values by shrinking the government workforce by 20 percent, by cutting over $44 million in proposed spending through his veto powers, and returning $370,000 of his government salary back to the county, among many other decisions.<ref name="Barbour"/> Walker was re-elected to the position in 2004 and 2008,<ref name="Timeline"/><ref name="Bio"/> and despite being in a liberal county, he ran as a conservative.<ref name="Bio"/>

In 2002, the Democrat Milwaukee County Executive, Tom Ament, decided to retire rather than face a recall election due to a pension scandal.<ref name="Timeline"/><ref name="Barbour"/> Walker won the election in a historic victory, becoming "the youngest person and first Republican [ever] elected to the position"<ref name="Timeline"/> in a liberal county.<ref name="Barbour"/> As Milwaukee County Executive, Walker again showed his strong conservative values by shrinking the government workforce by 20 percent, by cutting over $44 million in proposed spending through his veto powers, and returning $370,000 of his government salary back to the county, among many other decisions.<ref name="Barbour"/> Walker was re-elected to the position in 2004 and 2008,<ref name="Timeline"/><ref name="Bio"/> and despite being in a liberal county, he ran as a conservative.<ref name="Bio"/>

In January 2005, Walker announced he would run for Wisconsin Governor in the 2006 election.<ref name="Isenstadt2015">Isenstadt, Alex (March 29, 2015). [http://www.politico.com/story/2015/03/the-crushing-defeat-that-shaped-scott-walker-116490 The crushing defeat that shaped Scott Walker]. ''Politico''. Retrieved November 20, 2016.</ref> In March 2006, after 14 months of campaigning and due to low campaign funds and support, Walker dropped out of the race and endorsed his Republican primary opponent, Congressman [[Mark Green]], actively campaigning for him.<ref name="Isenstadt2015"/> Green lost the election, and this helped position Walker as the frontrunner in the 2010 election.<ref name="Isenstadt2015"/>

In January 2005, Walker announced he would run for Wisconsin Governor in the 2006 election.<ref name="Isenstadt2015">Isenstadt, Alex (March 29, 2015). [https://www.politico.com/story/2015/03/the-crushing-defeat-that-shaped-scott-walker-116490 The crushing defeat that shaped Scott Walker]. ''Politico''. Retrieved November 20, 2016.</ref> In March 2006, after 14 months of campaigning and due to low campaign funds and support, Walker dropped out of the race and endorsed his Republican primary opponent, Congressman [[Mark Green]], actively campaigning for him.<ref name="Isenstadt2015"/> Green lost the election, and this helped position Walker as the frontrunner in the 2010 election.<ref name="Isenstadt2015"/>

==Governor of Wisconsin==

==Governor of Wisconsin==

[[Labor union|Union]]-controlled leftist politicians went berserk at the commonsense bill to reduce union control over the state, and they blocked the bill for three weeks by fleeing to [[Illinois]] until the Senate removed "some financial elements from the bill", making it legal to pass it without the missing Democrats.<ref>Marley, Patrick & Lee Bergquist, Lee (March 9, 2011). [http://archive.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/117656563.html With Democrats absent, Republicans advance collective bargaining changes]. ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> Leftists continued to fight the bill, but it was ultimately declared to be legal, twice, by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.<ref name="Timeline"/><ref>Marley, Patrick & Lee Bergquist, Lee (June 14, 2011). [http://archive.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/123859034.html Supreme Court reinstates collective bargaining law]. ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref>

[[Labor union|Union]]-controlled leftist politicians went berserk at the commonsense bill to reduce union control over the state, and they blocked the bill for three weeks by fleeing to [[Illinois]] until the Senate removed "some financial elements from the bill", making it legal to pass it without the missing Democrats.<ref>Marley, Patrick & Lee Bergquist, Lee (March 9, 2011). [http://archive.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/117656563.html With Democrats absent, Republicans advance collective bargaining changes]. ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> Leftists continued to fight the bill, but it was ultimately declared to be legal, twice, by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.<ref name="Timeline"/><ref>Marley, Patrick & Lee Bergquist, Lee (June 14, 2011). [http://archive.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/123859034.html Supreme Court reinstates collective bargaining law]. ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref>

Walker faced a [[liberal]]-promoted [[recall election]] on June 5, 2012, but won it by a landslide—53 percent of the vote, even more than in 2010.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/06/05/polls-close-in-wisconsin-voter-turnout-reported-heavy.html Wisconsin's Walker survives recall by wide margin]. ''Fox News''. June 6, 2012. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> By late May, [[liberals]] were already beginning to blame each other for Walker's lead in the polls: "Top [[union]] officials are lashing out at Washington [[Democrat]]s, claiming they haven't done enough to help them unseat Gov. Scott Walker in [[Wisconsin]]'s [[recall]] election."<ref>Joseph, Cameron & Bogardus, Kevin (May 25, 2012). [http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/229485-unions-angry-with-washington-democrats-over-lack-of-help-in-wisconsin Unions angry with Democrats over lack of help in Wisconsin governor's recall]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> Walker became the first governor in United States history to survive a recall election.<ref>Montopoli, Brian (June 6, 2012). [http://www.cbsnews.com/news/scott-walker-wins-wisconsin-recall-election/ Scott Walker wins Wisconsin recall election]. ''CBS News''. Retrieved November 20, 2016.</ref>

Walker faced a [[liberal]]-promoted [[recall election]] on June 5, 2012, but won it by a landslide—53 percent of the vote, even more than in 2010.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/06/05/polls-close-in-wisconsin-voter-turnout-reported-heavy.html Wisconsin's Walker survives recall by wide margin]. ''Fox News''. June 6, 2012. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> By late May, [[liberals]] were already beginning to blame each other for Walker's lead in the polls: "Top [[union]] officials are lashing out at Washington [[Democrat]]s, claiming they haven't done enough to help them unseat Gov. Scott Walker in [[Wisconsin]]'s [[recall]] election."<ref>Joseph, Cameron & Bogardus, Kevin (May 25, 2012). [https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/229485-unions-angry-with-washington-democrats-over-lack-of-help-in-wisconsin Unions angry with Democrats over lack of help in Wisconsin governor's recall]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> Walker became the first governor in United States history to survive a recall election.<ref>Montopoli, Brian (June 6, 2012). [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/scott-walker-wins-wisconsin-recall-election/ Scott Walker wins Wisconsin recall election]. ''CBS News''. Retrieved November 20, 2016.</ref>

===2014 election===

===2014 election===

When Scott Walker took office, Wisconsin had a budget deficit of $3.6 billion.<ref name="Helped">Szafir, CJ (April 22, 2016). [http://www.nationalreview.com/article/434401/ Walker’s Union Reforms Have Helped, Not Hurt, Wisconsinites]. ''National Review''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> Instead of raising taxes, the governor has set out on a mission to reduce costs across the board, make Wisconsin a business-friendly state, and give local governments the ability to make their own spending decisions.<ref name="Helped"/> The state's [[labor union]]s were in an uproar and protested Walker's decision to end union [[collective bargaining]] and weaken the tight grip they had on the state and its people.

When Scott Walker took office, Wisconsin had a budget deficit of $3.6 billion.<ref name="Helped">Szafir, CJ (April 22, 2016). [http://www.nationalreview.com/article/434401/ Walker’s Union Reforms Have Helped, Not Hurt, Wisconsinites]. ''National Review''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> Instead of raising taxes, the governor has set out on a mission to reduce costs across the board, make Wisconsin a business-friendly state, and give local governments the ability to make their own spending decisions.<ref name="Helped"/> The state's [[labor union]]s were in an uproar and protested Walker's decision to end union [[collective bargaining]] and weaken the tight grip they had on the state and its people.

Due to Walker's reforms, Wisconsin taxpayers have saved over $5.24 billion as of 2016, or $2,291 per household.<ref name="Helped"/><ref>[http://www.maciverinstitute.com/2016/02/act-10-saves-wisconsin-taxpayers-more-than-5-billion-over-5-years-maciver-analysis-finds/ Act 10 Saves Wisconsin Taxpayers More Than $5 Billion Over 5 Years, MacIver Analysis Finds]. ''MacIver Institute''. February 25, 2016. Retrieved July 4, 2018.</ref> In addition, the state has saved over $3.36 billion and has increased its revenue by $404.8 million.<ref name="Helped"/> Despite leftist claims that Wisconsin's economy has stagnated under Walker, the evidence is overwhelming that the opposite is the case.<ref name="WSJ">Puzder, Andy (May 3, 2015). [http://www.wsj.com/articles/a-closer-look-at-scott-walkers-record-on-jobs-1430688558 A Closer Look at Scott Walker’s Record on Jobs]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref>

Due to Walker's reforms, Wisconsin taxpayers have saved over $5.24 billion as of 2016, or $2,291 per household.<ref name="Helped"/><ref>[http://www.maciverinstitute.com/2016/02/act-10-saves-wisconsin-taxpayers-more-than-5-billion-over-5-years-maciver-analysis-finds/ Act 10 Saves Wisconsin Taxpayers More Than $5 Billion Over 5 Years, MacIver Analysis Finds]. ''MacIver Institute''. February 25, 2016. Retrieved July 4, 2018.</ref> In addition, the state has saved over $3.36 billion and has increased its revenue by $404.8 million.<ref name="Helped"/> Despite leftist claims that Wisconsin's economy has stagnated under Walker, the evidence is overwhelming that the opposite is the case.<ref name="WSJ">Puzder, Andy (May 3, 2015). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-closer-look-at-scott-walkers-record-on-jobs-1430688558 A Closer Look at Scott Walker’s Record on Jobs]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref>

Walker has been a strong advocate for the [[unborn]]. In 2011, he signed the Wisconsin state budget into law, which defunded [[Planned Parenthood]], making Wisconsin the fourth state to defund the illegal program.<ref>Zagorski, Sarah (August 24, 2015). [http://www.lifenews.com/2015/08/24/scott-walker-pushes-bill-to-de-fund-planned-parenthood-after-it-sells-aborted-baby-parts/ Scott Walker Pushes Bill to De-Fund Planned Parenthood After It Sells Aborted Baby Parts]. ''LifeNews.com''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> In addition, Walker has signed other [[pro-life]] bills into law,<ref>[http://archive.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/scott-walker-outlines-abortion-gay-marriage-positions-in-letter-b99375704z1-279975922.html Scott Walker outlines abortion, gay marriage positions in letter]. ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'' (from ''AP''). October 22, 2014. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> including one to ban abortion after the 20th week of pregnancy.<ref>Stein, Jason (July 20, 2015). [http://archive.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/scott-walker-signs-bill-banning-abortions-after-20-weeks-b99540949z1-317539131.html Scott Walker signs 20-week abortion ban, trooper pay raise]. ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> He has criticized the notion that abortion is necessary to save the life of the mother in certain cases, calling it a "false choice."<ref>Spicuzza, Mary (August 8, 2015). [http://archive.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/scott-walker-calls-abortion-to-save-a-womans-life-a-false-choice-b99553080z1-321141741.html Scott Walker calls abortion to save a woman's life a 'false choice']. ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel''. Retrieved November 19, 2016.</ref> On April 3, 2018, Walker signed a bill into law that excluded abortion coverage from state health insurance plans.<ref>Freiburger, Calvin (April 3, 2018). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/wisconsin-governor-signs-bill-banning-abortion-insurance-coverage-for-state Wisconsin governor signs bill banning abortion insurance coverage for state employees]. ''LifeSiteNews''. Retrieved April 4, 2018.</ref>

Walker has been a strong advocate for the [[unborn]]. In 2011, he signed the Wisconsin state budget into law, which defunded [[Planned Parenthood]], making Wisconsin the fourth state to defund the illegal program.<ref>Zagorski, Sarah (August 24, 2015). [https://www.lifenews.com/2015/08/24/scott-walker-pushes-bill-to-de-fund-planned-parenthood-after-it-sells-aborted-baby-parts/ Scott Walker Pushes Bill to De-Fund Planned Parenthood After It Sells Aborted Baby Parts]. ''LifeNews.com''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> In addition, Walker has signed other [[pro-life]] bills into law,<ref>[http://archive.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/scott-walker-outlines-abortion-gay-marriage-positions-in-letter-b99375704z1-279975922.html Scott Walker outlines abortion, gay marriage positions in letter]. ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'' (from ''AP''). October 22, 2014. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> including one to ban abortion after the 20th week of pregnancy.<ref>Stein, Jason (July 20, 2015). [http://archive.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/scott-walker-signs-bill-banning-abortions-after-20-weeks-b99540949z1-317539131.html Scott Walker signs 20-week abortion ban, trooper pay raise]. ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> He has criticized the notion that abortion is necessary to save the life of the mother in certain cases, calling it a "false choice."<ref>Spicuzza, Mary (August 8, 2015). [http://archive.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/scott-walker-calls-abortion-to-save-a-womans-life-a-false-choice-b99553080z1-321141741.html Scott Walker calls abortion to save a woman's life a 'false choice']. ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel''. Retrieved November 19, 2016.</ref> On April 3, 2018, Walker signed a bill into law that excluded abortion coverage from state health insurance plans.<ref>Freiburger, Calvin (April 3, 2018). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/wisconsin-governor-signs-bill-banning-abortion-insurance-coverage-for-state Wisconsin governor signs bill banning abortion insurance coverage for state employees]. ''LifeSiteNews''. Retrieved April 4, 2018.</ref>

On March 9, 2015, Walker signed into law a bill making Wisconsin a [[right to work]] state.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/03/09/wisconsin-gov-walker-to-sign-right-to-work-bill.html Gov. Walker signs bill making Wisconsin right-to-work state]. ''Fox News'' (from ''AP''). March 9, 2015. Retrieved October 21, 2015.</ref> Once again, the unions went wild in opposition due to the loss of their massive power and filed a lawsuit against the law. As of May 2016, the law is still in effect but in a vulnerable position.<ref>[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/midwest/ct-wisconsin-right-to-work-law-20160524-story.html Court puts ruling striking down Wisconsin's right-to-work law on hold]. ''Chicago Tribune''. May 24, 2016. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref>

On March 9, 2015, Walker signed into law a bill making Wisconsin a [[right to work]] state.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/03/09/wisconsin-gov-walker-to-sign-right-to-work-bill.html Gov. Walker signs bill making Wisconsin right-to-work state]. ''Fox News'' (from ''AP''). March 9, 2015. Retrieved October 21, 2015.</ref> Once again, the unions went wild in opposition due to the loss of their massive power and filed a lawsuit against the law. As of May 2016, the law is still in effect but in a vulnerable position.<ref>[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/midwest/ct-wisconsin-right-to-work-law-20160524-story.html Court puts ruling striking down Wisconsin's right-to-work law on hold]. ''Chicago Tribune''. May 24, 2016. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref>

Walker also has greatly expanded [[gun rights]] for Wisconsin residents. In 2011, he signed [[concealed carry]]<ref>Stein, Jason (July 8, 2011). [http://archive.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/125235719.html Walker signs concealed-carry measure into law]. ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> and the [[Castle Doctrine]]<ref>Stein, Jason (December 7, 2011). [http://archive.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/walker-to-sign-castle-doctrine-bill-wednesday-bh3brej-135197918.html Walker signs 'castle doctrine' bill, other measures]. ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> into law. Walker's support for gun rights did not end there. On June 24, 2015, Walker signed two bills into law that removed Wisconsin's 48-hour waiting period for buying guns and gave retired or off-duty law enforcement officials the legal right to carry concealed guns into public schools.<ref>Strauss, Daniel (June 24, 2015). [http://www.politico.com/story/2015/06/scott-walker-two-gun-bills-119380 Scott Walker signs two pro-gun bills]. ''Politico''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> He has earned an "A+" rating from the [[National Rifle Association]].<ref>[https://www.nrapvf.org/articles/20140922/nra-endorses-scott-walker-for-governor-in-wisconsin NRA Endorses Scott Walker for Governor in Wisconsin]. ''NRA-PVF''. September 22, 2014. Retrieved October 22, 2016.</ref>

Walker also has greatly expanded [[gun rights]] for Wisconsin residents. In 2011, he signed [[concealed carry]]<ref>Stein, Jason (July 8, 2011). [http://archive.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/125235719.html Walker signs concealed-carry measure into law]. ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> and the [[Castle Doctrine]]<ref>Stein, Jason (December 7, 2011). [http://archive.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/walker-to-sign-castle-doctrine-bill-wednesday-bh3brej-135197918.html Walker signs 'castle doctrine' bill, other measures]. ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> into law. Walker's support for gun rights did not end there. On June 24, 2015, Walker signed two bills into law that removed Wisconsin's 48-hour waiting period for buying guns and gave retired or off-duty law enforcement officials the legal right to carry concealed guns into public schools.<ref>Strauss, Daniel (June 24, 2015). [https://www.politico.com/story/2015/06/scott-walker-two-gun-bills-119380 Scott Walker signs two pro-gun bills]. ''Politico''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> He has earned an "A+" rating from the [[National Rifle Association]].<ref>[https://www.nrapvf.org/articles/20140922/nra-endorses-scott-walker-for-governor-in-wisconsin NRA Endorses Scott Walker for Governor in Wisconsin]. ''NRA-PVF''. September 22, 2014. Retrieved October 22, 2016.</ref>

Walker has supported [[Israel]], and in October 2017, he signed an executive order to ban state agencies from doing business with firms with ties to the anti-Israel [[Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions]] movement.<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2017/10/31/wisconsin-governor-scott-walker-signs-bill-barring-israel-boycotts/ Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker Signs Bill Barring Israel Boycotts]. ''Breitbart News''. October 31, 2017. Retrieved October 31, 2017.</ref>

Walker has supported [[Israel]], and in October 2017, he signed an executive order to ban state agencies from doing business with firms with ties to the anti-Israel [[Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions]] movement.<ref>[https://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2017/10/31/wisconsin-governor-scott-walker-signs-bill-barring-israel-boycotts/ Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker Signs Bill Barring Israel Boycotts]. ''Breitbart News''. October 31, 2017. Retrieved October 31, 2017.</ref>

==2016 presidential campaign==

==2016 presidential campaign==

Walker announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in the [[2016 presidential election]] on July 13, 2015.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/07/13/walker-announces-2016-white-house-bid.html Walker announces 2016 White House bid, vows to 'fight for America']. ''Fox News''. July 13, 2016. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> Despite his popularity, strong position, and early lead in the polls, Walker dropped out on September 21 after the rise of [[Donald Trump]].<ref>Lowry, Rich & Johnson, Eliana (September 8, 2015). [http://www.nationalreview.com/article/423725/ Scott Walker: What Went Wrong?]. ''National Review''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref><ref>Eric Bradner, John King, Dana Bash and Jeff Zeleny (September 21, 2015). [http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/21/politics/scott-walker-drops-out-2016-election/ Scott Walker drops out of 2016 presidential race]. ''CNN''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> He endorsed [[Texas]] Senator [[Ted Cruz]] for the GOP nomination,<ref>Glueck, Katie & Gass, Nick (March 29, 2016). [http://www.politico.com/story/2016/03/scott-walker-endorses-ted-cruz-221327 Scott Walker endorses Ted Cruz]. ''Politico''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> but he put his full support behind Trump after he won the primary.<ref>Gass, Nick (July 20, 2016). [http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/rnc-2016-scott-walker-donald-trump-endorsement-225914 Walker 'absolutely' endorses Trump]. ''Politico''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref><ref>Gilbert, Craig (July 21, 2016). [http://archive.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/scott-walker-joins-backlash-over-cruz-refusal-to-endorse-trump-b99765830z1-387827571.html Scott Walker joins backlash over Cruz refusal to endorse Trump]. ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> Walker helped conservative [[Indiana]] governor and GOP vice presidential nominee [[Mike Pence]] prepare for the vice presidential debate against [[Virginia]] Senator [[Tim Kaine]], which Pence decisively won.<ref>Shih, Adrienne (October 5, 2016). [http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/05/politics/scott-walker-mike-pence-debate/ Gov. Scott Walker: Mike Pence didn't 'take the bait' at debate]. ''CNN''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref>

Walker announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in the [[2016 presidential election]] on July 13, 2015.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/07/13/walker-announces-2016-white-house-bid.html Walker announces 2016 White House bid, vows to 'fight for America']. ''Fox News''. July 13, 2016. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> Despite his popularity, strong position, and early lead in the polls, Walker dropped out on September 21 after the rise of [[Donald Trump]].<ref>Lowry, Rich & Johnson, Eliana (September 8, 2015). [http://www.nationalreview.com/article/423725/ Scott Walker: What Went Wrong?]. ''National Review''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref><ref>Eric Bradner, John King, Dana Bash and Jeff Zeleny (September 21, 2015). [https://www.cnn.com/2015/09/21/politics/scott-walker-drops-out-2016-election/ Scott Walker drops out of 2016 presidential race]. ''CNN''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> He endorsed [[Texas]] Senator [[Ted Cruz]] for the GOP nomination,<ref>Glueck, Katie & Gass, Nick (March 29, 2016). [https://www.politico.com/story/2016/03/scott-walker-endorses-ted-cruz-221327 Scott Walker endorses Ted Cruz]. ''Politico''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> but he put his full support behind Trump after he won the primary.<ref>Gass, Nick (July 20, 2016). [https://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/rnc-2016-scott-walker-donald-trump-endorsement-225914 Walker 'absolutely' endorses Trump]. ''Politico''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref><ref>Gilbert, Craig (July 21, 2016). [http://archive.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/scott-walker-joins-backlash-over-cruz-refusal-to-endorse-trump-b99765830z1-387827571.html Scott Walker joins backlash over Cruz refusal to endorse Trump]. ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> Walker helped conservative [[Indiana]] governor and GOP vice presidential nominee [[Mike Pence]] prepare for the vice presidential debate against [[Virginia]] Senator [[Tim Kaine]], which Pence decisively won.<ref>Shih, Adrienne (October 5, 2016). [https://www.cnn.com/2016/10/05/politics/scott-walker-mike-pence-debate/ Gov. Scott Walker: Mike Pence didn't 'take the bait' at debate]. ''CNN''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref>

===Major GOP victory===

===Major GOP victory===

Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election in a historic and massive upset.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/11/08/first-polls-close-in-2016-race-trump-projected-to-win-ind-ky-clinton-wins-vt.html Trump wins presidency, defeats Clinton in historic election upset]. ''Fox News''. November 8, 2016. Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref><ref name="Build">Bauer, Scott (November 9, 2016). [http://www.charlotteobserver.com/entertainment/tv/article113209848.html Republicans build majorities in Legislature]. ''The Charlotte Observer'' (from ''AP''). Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref> In addition, Trump won Wisconsin in an equally surprising upset, becoming the first Republican to do so since [[United States presidential election, 1984|1984]].<ref name="Build"/><ref>Kueppers, Courtney (November 8, 2016). [http://www.wpr.org/trump-becomes-1st-republican-presidential-candidate-1984-win-wisconsin Trump Becomes First Republican Presidential Candidate Since 1984 To Win Wisconsin]. ''Wisconsin Public Radio''. Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref> Also, the state GOP won historic victories in the state legislature, building their largest majorities since 1957,<ref name="Build"/><ref>Marley, Patrick & Stein, Jason (November 9, 2016). [http://www.sheboyganpress.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/11/08/gop-retains-hold-legislature/93163322/ GOP strengthens hold on Legislature]. ''Sheboygan Press''. Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref> and conservative Republican U.S. Senator [[Ron Johnson]] defeated liberal [[Russ Feingold]] a second time for a second term.<ref name="Build"/><ref>Schleifer, Theodore (November 8, 2016). [http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/08/politics/ron-johnson-russ-feingold-wisconsin-senate-election-results/ Ron Johnson earns surprise GOP win in Wisconsin Senate race]. ''CNN''. Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref> This put Walker and the Wisconsin Republican Party in a very strong position,<ref>Litke, Eric (November 10, 2016). [http://www.postcrescent.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/11/10/5-wisconsin-winners-trump-tidal-wave/93550526/ 5 Wisconsin winners in Trump tidal wave]. ''Post-Crescent''. Retrieved November 12, 2016.</ref> and it coincided with major electoral gains for the GOP.<ref>Bosman, Julie & Davey, Monica (November 11, 2016). [http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/12/us/republicans-expand-control-in-a-deeply-divided-nation.html Republicans Expand Control in a Deeply Divided Nation]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved November 14, 2016.</ref>

Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election in a historic and massive upset.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/11/08/first-polls-close-in-2016-race-trump-projected-to-win-ind-ky-clinton-wins-vt.html Trump wins presidency, defeats Clinton in historic election upset]. ''Fox News''. November 8, 2016. Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref><ref name="Build">Bauer, Scott (November 9, 2016). [http://www.charlotteobserver.com/entertainment/tv/article113209848.html Republicans build majorities in Legislature]. ''The Charlotte Observer'' (from ''AP''). Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref> In addition, Trump won Wisconsin in an equally surprising upset, becoming the first Republican to do so since [[United States presidential election, 1984|1984]].<ref name="Build"/><ref>Kueppers, Courtney (November 8, 2016). [http://www.wpr.org/trump-becomes-1st-republican-presidential-candidate-1984-win-wisconsin Trump Becomes First Republican Presidential Candidate Since 1984 To Win Wisconsin]. ''Wisconsin Public Radio''. Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref> Also, the state GOP won historic victories in the state legislature, building their largest majorities since 1957,<ref name="Build"/><ref>Marley, Patrick & Stein, Jason (November 9, 2016). [http://www.sheboyganpress.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/11/08/gop-retains-hold-legislature/93163322/ GOP strengthens hold on Legislature]. ''Sheboygan Press''. Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref> and conservative Republican U.S. Senator [[Ron Johnson]] defeated liberal [[Russ Feingold]] a second time for a second term.<ref name="Build"/><ref>Schleifer, Theodore (November 8, 2016). [https://www.cnn.com/2016/11/08/politics/ron-johnson-russ-feingold-wisconsin-senate-election-results/ Ron Johnson earns surprise GOP win in Wisconsin Senate race]. ''CNN''. Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref> This put Walker and the Wisconsin Republican Party in a very strong position,<ref>Litke, Eric (November 10, 2016). [http://www.postcrescent.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/11/10/5-wisconsin-winners-trump-tidal-wave/93550526/ 5 Wisconsin winners in Trump tidal wave]. ''Post-Crescent''. Retrieved November 12, 2016.</ref> and it coincided with major electoral gains for the GOP.<ref>Bosman, Julie & Davey, Monica (November 11, 2016). [https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/12/us/republicans-expand-control-in-a-deeply-divided-nation.html Republicans Expand Control in a Deeply Divided Nation]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved November 14, 2016.</ref>

==Personal life==

==Personal life==