NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker had a message for conservatives who are disenchanted with the Republican presidential contest as it chugs along: Don’t give up.
Opening the Conservative Political Action Conference on Thursday, Walker asked attendees to keep their eye on the ball, telling them that the conservative movement is continuing to do good things despite the chaos in the GOP primary contest.
“I just want to remind you that no matter what you think about the presidential election, you can’t give up,” Walker told the crowd. “We need your help in the states. We’re depending on you at the state and local level. It’s what our American revival is all about.
“This fall, in at least five states … we have the opportunity to elect Republican governors in states that currently have Democrats today,” Walker said, rattling off New Hampshire, Montana and Vermont earlier in his speech as targeted states. “That alone is worth a tremendous difference out there.”
For the majority of his speech, the former 2016 presidential candidate avoided talking about the contest, which he exited in August. Rather, Walker talked up “enthusiasm” within the conservative movement, pointing to the GOP holding 31 governorships across the nation.
“For those of you who’ll be discussing over the next several days what’s been happening across this country, some of you might be confused and, dare I say, even some upset about what’s happening in the presidential election,” Walker said. “But I’m going to offer you some enthusiasm — some optimism today, and tell you that no matter what’s happening there, the conservative movement is alive and well in states all across America.”
The remaining four in the GOP field are set to debate Thursday night in Detroit.
