Text of Gov. Scott Walker's Speech at Republican National Convention
In comments that were broadcast nationwide, governor talks about the recall election and how ultimately "the hard-working taxpayers won."
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Below is the text of the speech that Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker delivered Tuesday at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, FL.
Thank you and good evening.
On June 5th, voters in Wisconsin were asked to choose between going backwards to the days of double-digit tax increases, billion dollar budget deficits and record job losses, or moving forward with reforms that lowered the tax burden, balanced the budget and helped small businesses create more jobs.
On June 5th, voters in my swing state were asked to decide if they wanted elected officials who measure success by how many people are dependent on the government, or if they wanted leaders who believe success is measured by how many people are not dependent on the government, because they control their own destiny in the private sector.
On June 5th, voters in Wisconsin got to determine who was in charge — was it the big government special interests in Washington... or the hard-working taxpayers of our state.
The good news is that — on June 5th — the hard-working taxpayers won.
"Mitt Romney understands, like I understand, that people — not governments — create jobs."
Just ask Sandy Breth why that's important.
When the economy took a dive a few years ago, she took a pay cut. Not long after that, she lost her job. Today, however, she's working at G3 Industries in Mosinee, Wisconsin. In fact, she just received a promotion.
G3 is one of those companies that added jobs during the past year, and now has plans to add even more. The owner told me that he's creating additional jobs in Wisconsin because he likes the way we are moving our state forward — and he's even more committed since the election.
Without our positive changes, he told me he would not have had the confidence to grow his business in Wisconsin.
Improving the business climate is not only good for small business owners; it's good for people like Sandy and her family.
We need more stories like hers in America because the past couple of years have been well, pretty tough.
Like many places across the country, Wisconsin lost more than 100,000 jobs from 2008 to 2010. Unemployment during that time topped out at over 9 percent.
But because of our reforms, Wisconsin has added thousands of new jobs and our unemployment rate is down from when I first took office.
Equally as important, we improved the economic climate for job creators.
Today, 94 percent of our employers believe Wisconsin is headed in the right direction. That compares to just 10% who thought the same thing two years ago.
Elections have consequences!
As was the case in Wisconsin two years ago, too many Americans think our country is headed in the wrong direction.
But Mitt Romney understands, like I understand, that people — not governments — create jobs.
With that in mind, my administration is making it easier for people to create jobs in Wisconsin.
Our reforms put the hard working taxpayers back in charge — people like Sandy Breth.
"Now, more than ever, we need reformers: leaders who think more about the next generation than just the next election."
Sadly, the federal government seems to be going in the opposite direction.
Nationally, we've experienced 42 consecutive months of unemployment above 8 percent. Last month, 44 of the 50 states saw an increase in the unemployment rate. And more than 12 million of our fellow citizens are unemployed.
We need someone to turn things around in America.
That leader is Governor Mitt Romney.
Mitt Romney turned businesses around in the private sector. He saved the Winter Olympics.
And he balanced state budgets without raising taxes, and in a way that helped the private sector create more jobs.
Then, with the announcement of Paul Ryan as his running mate, Governor Romney not only showed that he has the experience and the skill needed to become president, he showed he has the courage and the passion to be an exceptional president.
With this pick he showed us that the "R" next to his name doesn't just stand for Republican, it stands for "Reformer."
Now, more than ever, we need reformers: leaders who think more about the next generation than just the next election.
That's what you get from Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan.
In a few weeks, we will celebrate the 225th anniversary of our federal Constitution. Moments like that remind us that what makes America so great, what makes us exceptional, is that throughout our history, in moments of crisis, be they economic or fiscal, military or spiritual.
What makes America amazing is that there have always been men and women of courage who were willing to think more about the future of their children and grandchildren than they did about their own political careers.
Let this be one of those moments. Let this be our time in history so that someday we can tell our children and grandchildren that we were there, that we changed the course of history for the better.
Let us tell them that we helped elect Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan to save America.
Thank you.
dee50
11:18 am on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Hey Scotty, how's it going with that 250,000 jobs that you promised?
Greg
2:15 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Scotty is doing a heck of a lot better with his jobs promise, than Barry is doing with his promise to cut the deficit in half in his first term.
celador2
3:21 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
dee, Walker wants Romney as pres to help create a free market pro business environment. Let us remember unemloyment is higher now than in Jan 2009.
dee50
5:52 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
@Greg,
There has been 29 months of Private sector job growth under Obama and prior we were losing over 750,000 jobs a month under Bush. If he wasn't for the Governors in the Red States and some in Blue States, aka Walker who made major cuts to Government jobs the Unemployment rate would be much lower......
And Greg, by changing the subject still doesn't take away the FACT that Walker made this promise!
Examples of the Republican parties priorities, which are party over Country.....
And Paul Ryan who (Walker supports) helped block jobs for Americans
Bring Jobs Home Act blocked by Republicans
July 19,2012
"Today, Republicans blocked the Senate for the THIRD TIME from debating a common-sense bill that would provide a new tax incentive to create more jobs here at home, and eliminate subsidies for companies that are shipping American jobs overseas,"
http://www.examiner.com/article/bring-jobs-home-act-blocked-by-republicans
Senate Republicans Block So-Called 'Insourcing
http://www.npr.org/2012/07/19/157065618/senate-republicans-block-so-called-insourcing-act
Paul Ryan voted against small businesses!
dee50
6:16 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
@Celador,
You say " Walker wants Romney as pres to help create a free market pro business environment. Let us remember unemloyment is higher now than in Jan 2009"
Really, Corporations have record breaking profits as they close factories here in the U.S. and open new one's abroad......And you are one of those that just thinks this would be so great to give them another tax cut cause all those jobs will be created, right! Well, guess what those jobs are in India and China, they love that slave labor! Also, not sure if you noticed, but trickle doesn't trickle down it trickles up and up and up......
Most firms pay no income taxes - Congress
http://money.cnn.com/2008/08/12/news/economy/corporate_taxes/
Also, the Unemployment rate was starting to rise May of 2008 and eventually got to 7.8% by the time Obama served his first day on January 20, 2009, 8.2% in February and 8.6% in March of 2009…The Trajectory was on its way up and obviously we were still under the Bush failed polices…
You know it sure takes a second to clean up after spilling a bottle of juice, but takes a whole lot longer to clean. People amaze me and believe after 3 ½ years this mess should be cleaned up after 8 years of failed Bush policies. In addition, you throw in the Wall Street/Bankers collapse, add 400+ filibusters (record breaking), from Republicans, and the fact that the Banksters/Corps were sitting on bail out money and one has to wonder why we are not worse off than we are today….
Greg
11:02 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
I did not change the subject, I responded to your dum bass comment.
Fact: Walker was not Governor under Bush.
Fact: Governor Walker's term is not over.
Fact: You have no way of knowing how Governor Walker's policies affected the national unemployment rate.
Opinion: The Bring Jobs Home Act was nothing but a feel good bill, that would only line the deep pockets of Obama's uber wealthy friends.
Please show the actual vote where "Paul Ryan voted against small businesses!"
dee50
11:24 am on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
"With this pick he showed us that the "R" next to his name doesn't just stand for Republican, it stands for "Reformer."
If Romney and Ryan get their way, seniors’ Medicare would be replaced with a voucher that drops in value as health costs rise. Seniors will have to eat rising costs while millionaires like Mitt Romney get a tax cut. That's not the type of Reform I believe most Americans want or deserve!
Ryan’s vouchers will pay for less and less coverage. The CBO says that by 2030, the typical beneficiary would be expected to pay more than two-thirds of their medical costs.
http://whatifpost.com/couponcare-paul-ryans-proposal-for-changing-medicare.htm
Paul Ryan’s 2013 budget plan would result in huge benefits for high-income people and very modest—or no— benefits for low income working households, according to a newanalysis by the Tax Policy Center.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/beltway/2012/03/23/paul-ryans-budget-plan-more-big-tax-cuts-for-the-rich/
Tosa720
1:16 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
As far as I am concerned, Walker is just one more liar on the heap of liars that the republican party has become. The RNC convention has shown they do not have an original thought. They copy everything the president has said but twist it slightly to make it support their repressive platform. In view of what they have in store for middle America, seniors, women, students and those needing a job, I would not support any of them. Surprising to me is that people are not thinking about their own personal interests when voting - it is as if they think the GOP which has now become the Tea Party is still like the old Republican party. Make no mistake - it is NOT. Their interest is no longer in regular Americans - it is in the super wealthy, and putting the burden of their support for them on the backs of the rest of us. There is no benefit for the normal citizen in voting republican. It is the party without a heart and with the Koch brothers hiding behind the curtain.
dee50
6:21 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
@Toza,
You are absolutely correct. What's ironic is the Republicans God, Reagan would not be elected today under these extreme Republicans!
Terry
3:16 am on Friday, August 31, 2012
Actually Tosa, there is some truth in there somewhere, although you have to dig through a lot of stuff to get to it: "Surprising to me is that people are not thinking about their own personal interests when voting"
Exactly right. People are not thinking right now only about what the government can give them, and that is where progressive liberalism fails. Only when people stop thinking about themselves, and start thinking about the country, will we be able to get a real handle on solving our spending problems.
That is why you saw so many public employees "cross over" in large numbers during the recall election.
Bren
1:56 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
"On June 5th, voters in Wisconsin got to determine who was in charge — was it the big government special interests in Washington... or the hard-working taxpayers of our state. The good news is that — on June 5th — the hard-working taxpayers won."
Actually, Diane Hendricks and far-right interests won. Hooray. I wonder if the copywriters at ALEC wrote this pedestrian recitation, one of the Koch Industries lobbyists now cozily ensconced right across the street from the State Capitol, or an unpaid intern? Given the flat tone and high velocity spin, I'm guessing ALEC.
Greg
2:26 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Please explain how Diane Hendricks specifically won.
Brian Dey
5:31 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
No Bren, there was an election (again), and the people spoke. You might be capable of being brainwashed, but we are not. We have spoken, and will speak again in November.
Lyle Ruble
5:38 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
@Brian Dey...I'm glad you get to speak again in November. I hope you are prepared for what shall transpire.
Bob McBride
7:19 am on Thursday, August 30, 2012
You guys created Scott Walker. Until you all got your undies in a bundle and decided to have your recall, he was, basically, just another forgettable midwestern governor.
This was going to be your battleground for taking back what you believed was stolen from you in 2010. Wisconsin was going to lead the way and you fully expected to be celebrated by your party.
Instead, exactly the opposite happened. It happened because you miscalculated the publics inability to discern "the sky is falling" from reality. And reality won out.
It must be painful for you folks. Thanks to folks like Rience Priebus, Scott Walker and Paul Ryan, America doesn't think of Wisconsin as the home of Progressivism anymore. And you guys, in large part, are to thank for that. Because without the recall there's no Scott Walker, there's no national focus on a solid, successful Republican defense and there's probably no Paul Ryan in the VP slot.
Good work, guys. THINK, next time before you decide to go the hairfire route. It has a lot of unintended consequences that may gnaw at your gut for a long, long time.
Randy1949
2:09 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
"On June 5th, voters in my swing state were asked to decide if they wanted elected officials who measure success by how many people are dependent on the government, or if they wanted leaders who believe success is measured by how many people are not dependent on the government, because they control their own destiny in the private sector."
Unfortunately, you guys just plan to kick people off the programs they depend on and declare victory over the problem.
Greg
2:19 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Yep, that's the lefty party line.
celador2
3:23 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Would you grow entitlements even more?
Or wotrk for new energy that will create new JOBS overnight?
GearHead
8:04 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
@Randy: Are you that obtuse that you don't think massive reform of smother-love government programs isn't long overdue? How can we still have poverty when we declared war on poverty 50 years ago? And then added layer after layer of happy-face useless government programs. You don't know anyone gaming the system? You don't know businessmen throwing in the towel because of regulatory @ss chewing? I sure do!
Some people need to be kicked off programs in order for them to finally kick-start their own lives. That is true compassion. Get over it.
Greg
2:29 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
The above comments would possibly have some meaning if they were not presented by people who support total failures.
celador2
3:10 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Good work governor, you made all the right points on jobs by freemarkets and a need to lower taxes. People create jobs and the private sector grows wealth not government panels or entitlements. Our books are in order to have a future rich in sound fiiscal policies.
'R stands for reform as well as Republican' is a Scott Walker orginal.
Market that reform and take over the world! LOL
celador2
3:16 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
When Obama was on a MIlwaukee radio talk show he attaked the new rookie governor in early 2011 for his reforms to balance the budget. When asked by media what was his reply to the Obama attacks the governor said.,
"I am balancing my states books and you in DC might try to do the same."
Scott Walker leads by example but Obama grows deficit spending and debt for cronyism not the common good.
And that is why he was an honored speaker at the RNC nominating convention.
Lyle Ruble
5:42 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
@celador2...I can tell your definitely a novice and really don't understand the real issues. Crafted talking points don't get the job done. I am still waiting for Walker to bring on the jobs. Where are they? BTW, "It's the Global Economy...Stupid!"
ace
5:51 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Yes celador, you should become acquainted with Lyle the no bill-paying-pseudo intellectual from the North Shore. He and his government employee wife are shills for all Democrat causes.....
Lyle Ruble
6:09 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
@ace...Shills for the Democrats? No way no how. Ace why don't you reveal who you are and we'll see what your all about. I don't have anything to hide, but it looks like you do.
dee50
6:27 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Gov. Scott Walker Pockets Money Intended For Wisconsin Foreclosure Victims To Make Up State Budget Shortfall
http://www.forbes.com/sites/rickungar/2012/02/11/gov-scott-walker-pockets-money-intended-for-wisconsin-foreclosure-victims-to-make-up-state-budget-shortfall/
You must be so proud how Walker balances his books...BTW I heard he also had his hands out taking that Stimulus $ while attacking it at the same time...What a guy!
dee50
6:31 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
@Ace, You say: "you should become acquainted with Lyle the no bill-paying-pseudo intellectual from the North Shore. He and his government employee wife are shills for all Democrat causes...."
Is this how you Republicans roll by trying to degrade people because they have Government jobs. Is that all you have are insults without merit....Very sad!
FYI "WE ARE THE GOVERNMENT"
GearHead
8:10 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
@Lyle: Awfully dismissive these days of a newcomer, aren't you? celador2 wrote an informative thread. You look like a jerk looking down your nose at her, having nothing else to add. Actually, Walker has rocked, given guys like you chewing his butt every step of the way, and running out of town like a bunch of chicken-sh*ts. But then you wouldn't know leadership anyway, given your hopeless bias against freedom and free markets.
dee50
6:38 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
@AWD,
A recent national survey found that 36 percent of those who tried to purchase health insurance directly from an insurance company in the individual insurance market were turned down, were charged more, or had a specific health problem excluded from their coverage.
And the Cons want to give 76 year olds vouchers.
What utter insanity!
Medicare Costs More Under Ryan Plan
http://www.cepr.net/index.php/blogs/beat-the-press/medicare-costs-more-under-ryan-plan-and-the-iraq-war-costs-more-than-a-school-lunch
Randy1949
7:12 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Don't confuse AWD with the facts, dee.
Steve ®
8:13 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
76 year olds would have no change to their medicare plan
Keep believing what they feed you, it's entertainment for me
dee50
10:10 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
@Steve, you say "76 year olds would have no change to their medicare plan. Keep believing what they feed you, it's entertainment for me"
First off, I thought you Republicons have been saying for YEARS how your children are so important to our future! My statement above is based on people under 55 years old when they turn 76 years old.....Let me guess you are either over 55, or you currently are on Medicare and scr8w everybody else....I have paid into Medicare for over 30 years and I will not allow some misguided politicians try to convince me otherwise . Ryan's Voucher program is not the answer!!!!!!!!! ESPECIALLY when his plan he wants to give the Rich another tax cut......Your priorities are brilliant!
Craig
10:43 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Dee: If the money tree dies, so does medicare. Obama pissed on that tree. Medicare is gone as you know it, Obamacare will replace it ;-P
And when the US defaults on it's obligations because we are broke- noone will have either OblamaCare or Medicare, no SSI checks, no jobs, no money- just the way he wants it.
Steve ®
1:09 am on Thursday, August 30, 2012
I see you are very emotional about this but with no real way of answering it. Hope and Change was a cool slogan 4 years ago but when the bank is out of money, it's not so cool any more.
Let me know when you want face reality. In the mean time we will be fixing your mess.
celador2
8:30 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Gear, I have yet to find these malicous posters able to address the budget repair bill and why it was the wrong thing to do. Balancing the books led to their recalls and a larger vote to REAFFIRM WALKER June 5 than Nov 2010. Someone in Wisconsin approves of a balanced buget and lower taxes even if recallers do not.We honor elections and many find the recall process abused.
What do Democrats want differently than Walker is doing? Higer taxes , borrowing to grow spending, I wonder.
He made a speech on protecting the future, and what an awesome way to govern
celador2
8:33 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Who are leaders of the state Democrats?
Why are they leaders based on what policies?
dee50
10:03 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
@Celador you say "As consumers we have power in health care. When health care is run by top down DC panels like IPAB for Medicare we are stuck with their decisons on costs.The pres appoints the 15 member IPAB panel to run Medicare and its not subject to oversight by Congress. Competition eliminates waste, spurs innovation and lowers costs and health care is no exception."
Come on haven't you noticed how expensive it is to have private Insurance...If you have a pre-existing condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes you are lucky to get Insurance and if you do the costs are outrageous.......
How is replacing a program (Medicare) that has less than 3% administrative cost and is not for profit, with private insurance plans that have over 15% administrative cost and are for profit going to save money? The only way is by cutting or refusing services - rationing.
dee50
10:14 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
@Randy,
You say "Don't confuse AWD with the facts, dee."
Isn't it amazing they NEVER or RARELY show any facts to back up what they rant and they either get mad and call you names or change the subject cause they have NOTHING... I saw this bumper sticker and it said "Confuse a Republican use facts and logic"
Greg
10:35 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
That's a good one. I saw one that said:
OBAMACARE
Call us when you
are shovel ready!
dee50
1:20 am on Thursday, August 30, 2012
@Craig, you say "and when the US defaults on it's obligations because we are broke- noone will have either OblamaCare or Medicare, no SSI checks, no jobs, no money- just the way he wants it."
Don't be so dramatic, Craig. The Republicons have been fearing this line (Medicare) since the Goldwater days, heck even before that and guess what it's still here. Stop buying into the BS! Republicans priorities are for the Rich and unless if you are in that 1% why do you argue against your own best interest? If you are not part of the 1% is it because you wish upon a star that someday you will be Rich, therefore you can benefit from their low tax rates! Why should 2/3 Corporations pay no taxes, why should some pay 13.9% (Romney) or less then other Americans. Why should Corporations receive tax breaks that are paid by Americans to open new factories abroad..I can go on and on and on!
BTW raise the Cap on Social Security..There it's fixed. That didn't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out! Oh no, the Cons can't do that they have that Norquist pledge they signed, including Ryan, and Romney. We are at the lowest tax rates in over 60 years and the majority of the Republicons are signing pledges to some lobbyist, brilliant!
dee50
1:27 am on Thursday, August 30, 2012
Bruce Bartlett held senior policy roles in the Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations and served on the staffs of Representatives Jack Kemp and Ron Paul.
"It's very hard to understand where the impression has come about that we currently have high taxes, or that our taxes are high in relation to those of other rich countries,"
Federal Tax Rate At Lowest Level In Over 60 Years, Bartlett Says
By William Alden on May 31st, 2011
http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/04/regulation-and-unemployment/?scp=5&sq=Bruce%20Bartlett&st=cse
United States Ranks at The Bottom In Total Taxation
http://www.politicususa.com/en/united-states-total-taxation
dee50
1:30 am on Thursday, August 30, 2012
Governor Mitt Romney Signs " Norquists Taxpayer Protection Pledge" A member since 2007!
www.presidency.ucsb.eduhttp://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=95745#ixzz1xd7h37GL
Norquist Tells GOP That Raising Taxes On The Middle Class Doesn’t Count As A Tax Increase
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2011/12/01/380129/norquist-gop-middle-class-ta/
Grover Norquist: Trying To Stop Billionaires From Dodging Taxes Makes You A Nazi
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2012/05/21/487465/norquist-billionaire-taxes-nazis/?mobile=nc