Former Gubernatorial Rivals Say Bipartisan Budget Is Key If Walker Wants Presidency

Two veteran politicians who ran against each other for governor in 1990 each offered post-election advice to Gov. Scott Walker and the Republican leaders of the Legislature on Wednesday.

Former four-term Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson and Tom Loftus, who served as Democratic Assembly speaker for eight years, both say Walker has to be ready to compromise in crafting his next budget.

Thompson also said that if Walker has national ambitions, he should take some risks.

“If he’s going to run for president, he’s got to be bold and put it in his budget and be able to make the compromises and hopefully get it passed soon,” said Walker. “He’s got the budget behind him and then he can start campaigning for president in Iowa.”

Democrat Tom Loftus said that he’s backing Hillary Clinton for president in 2016, but he agrees that passing a budget with bipartisan support is crucial if Walker has his eyes on the White House. He also said that won’t happen if Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos allows his party to pass extreme legislation that will further polarize the state.

“I think he has a role to play that he’s not playing now,” said Loftus. “He has to be leader to get things done, and do exactly what the governor says.”

Loftus said one of the best ways to promote compromise would be for Walker to agree to accept federal funds to expand Medicaid to reduce the number of people in the state who are uninsured. Thompson, however, said that’s a decision the Legislature should make.

Thompson said a willingness to compromise is what made it possible for him to win support for conservative policies like school choice and welfare reform during a time when Democrats controlled the Legislature.