Scott Walker launches GOP presidential bid: 'I'm for reform, growth, and safety'

(Image credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) announced to supporters in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Monday night that he is officially running for president, becoming the 15th Republican candidate to enter the race.

"We need new, fresh leadership," he said. "Leadership with big, bold ideas from outside Washington, the kind of leadership that knows how to get things done, like we've done in Wisconsin." Walker told the crowd that as governor, "we took on the unions and we won, we lowered taxes by $2 billion, lowered taxes on individuals, employers, and property owners.... How many other governors can say that?" He also mentioned defunding Planned Parenthood, enacting conceal carry laws, and the fact that he is frugal, and likes to use Kohl's Cash to purchase his clothes.

Walker said he would repeal ObamaCare, approve the Keystone Pipeline, get rid of Common Core, and protect "our children and grandchildren" from "radical Islamic terrorism." "I'm for reform, growth, safety, and transferring power from Washington to the hands of hardworking taxpayers, building a better economy that allows everyone to live their piece of the American dream," he said. "That's pro-growth."

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Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.