Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s re-election victory in a state that twice voted for President Obama instantly catapults him to the top tier of contenders for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, should he choose to run. But beyond the boost to his political career, his win also represents a victory for conservative governance.

When Walker took over as governor in 2011 after being elected during a wave election year for the GOP, he could have pursued the easy path, as Republicans often do — passing a few safe, small-bore policies without upsetting the established order.