Gov. Scott Walker's position on abortion: 'I don't obsess with it'

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, seen as a potential presidential candidate in 2016, says the Republican Party needs to position itself as a party of optimism, and he doesn't let his anti-abortion position define him.

|
Michael Bonfigli/The Christian Science Monitor
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker speaks to reporters on Nov. 22 in Washington.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker was elected in 2010 and in 2012 survived a recall vote based on his actions against public unions. He is a potential GOP presidential candidate and was the guest at the Nov. 22 Monitor Breakfast.

Governors as candidates:

"The ideal [presidential] candidate ... would be a current or former governor.... There is a real sense across America that people want an outsider. [Rep.] Paul Ryan [(R) of Wisconsin] is one of the exceptions to that rule."

His pro-life position on abortion:

"I don't apologize for that, but I don't focus on that; I don't obsess with it."

Making Republicans more appealing in national elections:

"We cannot be viewed as the party of 'no'.... In the states where we are successful, that is exactly what has happened.... We are optimistic; we are speaking in terms that are relevant...."

President Obama and foreign policy:

"What is going on in foreign policy is much like 'Obamacare' ... you have a president who spent far too much time listening to his political team and not his policy team."

The dispute over Democrats changing Senate filibuster rules:

"As long as people are competent and ethical, deference should be given to the chief executive in terms of appointments they make to executive positions.... Judicial appointments ... warrant a larger level of scrutiny."

You've read 3 of 3 free articles. Subscribe to continue.
Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.
What is the Monitor difference? Tackling the tough headlines – with humanity. Listening to sources – with respect. Seeing the story that others are missing by reporting what so often gets overlooked: the values that connect us. That’s Monitor reporting – news that changes how you see the world.
QR Code to Gov. Scott Walker's position on abortion: 'I don't obsess with it'
Read this article in
https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/monitor_breakfast/2013/1202/Gov.-Scott-Walker-s-position-on-abortion-I-don-t-obsess-with-it
QR Code to Subscription page
Start your subscription today
https://www.csmonitor.com/subscribe
CSM logo

Why is Christian Science in our name?

Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that.

The Church publishes the Monitor because it sees good journalism as vital to progress in the world. Since 1908, we’ve aimed “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as our founder, Mary Baker Eddy, put it.

Here, you’ll find award-winning journalism not driven by commercial influences – a news organization that takes seriously its mission to uplift the world by seeking solutions and finding reasons for credible hope.

Explore values journalism About us