Walker Hints At Run For A Third Term

Gov. Scott Walker is hinting that he may be running for a third term.

Walker addressed the Future Wisconsin Economic Summit Wednesday morning, an event focused on the state’s strengths and weaknesses when it comes to attracting new industries. According to Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state ranks 23rd in the country in terms of business competitiveness.

The governor will unveil ideas next month in his State of the State speech for listening to Wisconsin residents and business owners. Walker said the initiative will look at what the goals should be for the state and what businesses and people can be attracted here.

He also said he wants to work on that for the remainder of his term — “or whatever terms I’m blessed to serve thereafter.”

“We’re committed not just for the next couple of years, for the next three years as I’m governor, (but) if, God willing, in the future as voters, you ask me to continue to stand for four more years after that,” he said.

Walker’s current term runs through 2018.

Until now, the governor has been silent about his future plans since leaving the presidential race in late September. Walker told donors at the time that he hadn’t decided on running for a third term.

According to the Marquette University Law Poll, Walker currently has a 38 percent approval rating. The governor’s office was not available for comment.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story featuring Associated Press content has been updated with original reporting.