Walker says he will make endorsement decision next week
GREEN BAY — After a bill signing ceremony Tuesday afternoon in Green Bay, Gov. Scott Walker said he'll decide next week if he'll endorse a candidate in the state's presidential primary.
Both Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Ohio Gov. John Kasich have campaign stops planned in the Milwaukee area Wednesday, but Walker says he won't be at either event.
"I think it's pretty clear that at least two of the three candidates are probably more aligned with where I would be than the front runner," Walker said, without using names.
He said he's still weighing options about an endorsement before Wisconsin's primary in two weeks.
"Won't do it until after Easter," said Walker. "The Legislature just finished this past week. It was important to spend our time working on looking at the bills that have been passed, spending an appropriate focus on the bills we're signing today and later in Milwaukee."
Walker ended his own presidential run in September and called for others to drop out so it would be easier to take on Donald Trump.
Walker says an endorsement could have an impact on Wisconsin voters and the outcome, but it depends on the timing.
UW-Green Bay political science professor Aaron Weinschenk questioned how much of an impact a Walker endorsement could have.
"I think it's pretty rare for one single endorsement to really be the driving force behind something," said Weinschenk.
Turnout in Wisconsin is already projected to be the highest in 36 years for a presidential primary.
"People might pay attention if he makes an endorsement, but I highly doubt that's going to send turnout through the roof or that's going to drive people's decision making," said Weinschenk.
Weinschenk says Walker may be waiting as he weighs the low approval ratings he's received in the last year in Marquette University Law School polls.
Walker says he's been concentrating on state issues since ending his campaign.
"Really up until now I've been focused on being governor. I'll let other people play the national politics," he said. "But it is appropriate for at least the governor of either party to consider an endorsement."
Walker says he's just like other voters and trying to determine which candidate can actually follow through on their promises.
Watch what Walker said Tuesday in Green Bay:
