Posted on 07/01/2015 12:03:03 PM PDT by TNMOUTH
After sidestepping questions about the issue over the weekend, Gov. Scott Walker on Monday said he supports South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley's call to remove the Confederate flag from the state Capitol.
"I am glad @nikkihaley is calling for the Confederate flag to come down. I support her decision - SKW," Walker tweeted from his political account shortly after Haley called for the flag to be taken down.
The push to remove the flag comes in the wake of the racially-motivated killing of nine black worshippers in a historic Charleston church last week.
Dylann Roof, a white 21-year-old man, has said he hoped the shooting would spark a race war, CNN reported.
In the days after the shooting, politicians across the political spectrum, from President Barack Obama to his former opponent Mitt Romney, called for the flag to be taken down, arguing that a symbol of segregation has no place at the statehouse.
Walker, in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, condemned the shooting as "racist" and "evil." But talking to reporters, he avoided weighing in on the debate over the flag and what it represents.
"I think they're going to have a good healthy debate and should have that debate in South Carolina amongst officials at the state level," Walker said, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "I just think before I or anyone else weighs in on anything to do with policy, whether it's this or any other policy decisions, we should honor the dead and the families by allowing them to bury their loved ones. And then you could perfectly ask me that question at some point in the next week or two when that's done."
At the political event, Walker also wouldn't say whether he sees the Confederate flag as a symbol of racism.
The liberal group One Wisconsin Now criticized Walker's initial response, accusing the governor of being too focused on his likely presidential campaign to take a stand.
“There’s no denying the racism and oppression represented by the Confederate flag and there’s no defense for its display in public, on public property," said OWN executive director Scot Ross. "It is appalling that Scott Walker is so blinded by his political ambition he’s willing to abide the flying of a flag that symbolizes racism, hatred and oppression."
Walker was one of several 2016 contenders to give carefully worded answers to questions about the flag over the weekend.
Both former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Sen. Marco Rubio, also of Florida, alluded to "making the right choice," but neither said what that choice should be. However, Bush said in a statement that his position on how to address the flag is clear.
As governor, Bush had the flag taken down from Florida's Capitol in 2001.
"In Florida we acted, moving the flag from the state grounds to a museum where it belonged," Bush said in a statement. "This is obviously a very sensitive time in South Carolina and our prayers are with the families, the AME church community and the entire state. Following a period of mourning there will rightly be a discussion among leaders in the state about how South Carolina should move forward, and I'm confident they will do the right thing."
Sen. Lindsey Graham, also a Republican presidential candidate, joined Haley in calling for the flag's removal on Monday.
For the flag to be taken down, two-thirds of the state Legislature must vote to approve it.
Haley noted Monday the decision would not affect people who wish to fly the flag on their own property.
Scott Walker IS my guy!!!!! I have NOT forgotten the hell this man endured, the DEMS actually running away and hiding over state lines, the condition of Wisconsin’s state house and he STOOD HIS GROUND!!!!!!
HE WON!!!!!! IN A BLUE STATE!!!!!! I have NOT forgotten and for his courage he has my vote I like Cruz but Walker has endured far more than Cruz,WE owe him!!!!!!!!
The only delusion is believing that a guy who generates the excitement of a flea circus has any chance of winning a general election. Scott Walker is the only guy in the entire race on either side who does not have a college degree. This is the guy who is being investigated for campaign irregularities. This is the guy who opines that maybe someday the Patriot Act will come back. This is the guy who encouraged every Republican to vote for TPA. This is the guy who was for amnesty before he was agains’t it.
Yeh Scott Walker is a real winner. Well he certain is the GOP establishment default candidate that’s for sure. He’s Mitt Romney with a bald spot.
Right, because Cruz does nothing.
Are you getting a little antsy that your guy is becoming RINO-lite?
Correct. And you know by living in LaLaLand.
Ok big mouth. Name something that Cruz has accomplished in 2015. This ought to be rich. I can’t wait to hear what it could possibly be. lol. I almost feel guilty putting such an impossible task for you to do. But since your so nasty I will keep it.
LOL. Wow, can’t defend Walker, so you attack me. Figured. Funny, though, you were all over Cruz threads attacking him for TPA and now, that your guy is being revealed as a RINO-lite Candidate, you are on the defensive.
Look, I know this is going to be hard for you...the Governor is the final boss...he has the power to veto if he needs to do so. Cruz is 1 of 100 Senators...but, if you want to nitpick...his filibuster was pretty impressive.
Now, about him choosing anti-Conservative advisors...
Such a goof. It would take me an hour to write the accomplishments from Walker with concrete results. You can talk about cruz’s speech I suppose. Lol.
Cruz with his comb over is a great talker you are right. We have one of those as president right now in fact and you want another 4 years of that...first term senator too. Yikes.
“Cruz with his comb over is a great talker you are right”
I am not seeing the comb over with Cruz but with Walker here is what I do see.
1. Flip flop on immigration
2. Wants to get the Patriot Act Back
3. Encouraged all GOP legislators to vote yes on TPA
4. Has some real problems with WEDC. in WI
5. Has some real ethics problems in WI with campaign issues
6. Does not even have a 4 year college degree
7. Generates all the excitement of a flea circus
It is SC’s decision, not Walker’s.
Yes, it is a STATE rights issue...something stated NOT by Walker, but by Cruz.
Now, about those RINO advisors he’s hired...
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