Natalie Gonnella
As the protests in Wisconsin continue, a number of Republicans have made a point to publicly vocalize their support of Governor Scott Walker, and their disdain for President Obama's comments backing local unions.
From fellow governors to possible 2012 contenders, GOP leaders across the country have backed the Wisconsin Governor's actions amid the ongoing unrest within his state.
While unified in their message, Republicans opted for a variety of media to articulate their views on the situation, including formal interviews, PAC petitions and social media like Twitter and Facebook:
Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has launched a petition in support of Governor Walker, commenting via his PAC website that:
Governor Scott Walker is making tough choices needed to avoid financial ruin. The nation's governors don't need a lecture from a President who has never balanced a budget. All levels of government need to bring public employee compensation in line with the private sector. The gig is up for public employee groups who demand better benefits than the taxpayers who are paying the bill. I'm confident Governor Walker's reforms will succeed in Wisconsin. Stand strong, Scott -- average taxpayers everywhere are rooting for you.
In an interview on MSNBC's Meet the Press, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham backed Governor Walker, commenting that:
The President should be focusing on what we're doing in Washington...When the President talks about Wisconsin that really is inappropriate...The Governor of Wisconsin is doing what he can...He is doing what he said. There was an election on his proposals and he won and he should be allowed to fulfill his mandate just like House Republicans
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney showed his support for Governor Walker via Twitter:
Support @GovWalker for doing what's necessary to rein in out-of-control public sector pay and benefits #tcot
As did Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell:
Please support my good friend @GovWalker as he leads the fight to cut spending and get Wisconsin’s fiscal house in order!
And Ohio Governor John Kasich:
Props to @GovWalker for new reforms to public employee unions that give taxpayers more rights. http://bit.ly/f1OGc4
While House Speaker John Boehner decided on another form of social media posting a message in response to President Obama's remarks via Facebook:
President Obama this week attacked Gov. Scott Walker’s effort to get Wisconsin’s budget under control, even sending in the Democratic National Committee to spread disinformation. If the president truly wants an “adult conversation” about our fiscal challenges, shouting down reform-minded leaders is a bad way to start. Call off the attacks and lead, Mr. President.
Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus said of his fellow Wisconsinite:
Governor Walker is showing he, like so many Republicans across the country, has the courage to have the adult conversations our country wants and deserves
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie supported his fellow Governor via a statement, commenting that:
Gov. Walker was elected by the people of Wisconsin...I know him and I trust him and I support him.
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