In less than four weeks, students will play a key role in electing Wisconsin's next governor. We have a decision to make: Are you content with the direction our state is headed or are you ready to create a fundamental change that will put Wisconsin back to work and provide opportunities to students like us?
We need a new direction for Wisconsin. For the past eight years, Gov. Jim Doyle has raised taxes and increased the size of government beyond our ability to pay—forcing over 160,000 jobs to flee Wisconsin in the last two years. Electing Tom Barrett to serve Jim Doyle's third term would take our state down the same, reckless path. We must do better.
Wisconsin needs a tested leader who is ready to get the job done, and Scott Walker is the only candidate with the record and vision needed to put the badger state back to work.
Walker has a proven record of holding the line on taxes and reducing the size of government. As Milwaukee County Executive, Walker has introduced nine consecutive budgets that did not increase the property tax levy from the previous year. He cut the county debt by over 10 percent, decreased the county workforce by over 20 percent and stabilized the county bond rating at the same time the state's bond rating was lowered. Now, he has a bold plan to create 250,000 new jobs by 2015. This is something every student can support.
In stark contrast, Barrett has a lengthy record of raising taxes in every elected position he has held. As a state legislator, he voted for the largest permanent tax in state history; as congressman, he voted for the largest tax increase in U.S. history. Now, as mayor, Barrett proposed increasing taxes by 24 percent. Higher taxes and increased spending will continue to plague Wisconsin's economy and students can't afford to elect Barrett.
During President Barack Obama's recent visit to UW-Madison—a desperate effort to reinvigorate Tom Barrett's floundering campaign—he claimed that republicans were counting on students not turning out to vote in this year's election. This couldn't be farther from the truth. In fact, the Walker campaign is energizing students like never before—engaging young adults of all backgrounds and outlining a positive vision for Wisconsin's future.
Students all across the state understand that we need to correct the failed policies of the past and elect someone who knows how to lead. That's why the traditionally democratic student vote is up for grabs this year. It is why so many students will turn out to vote for Scott Walker this November, and it is why the Students 4 Walker coalition is one of the strongest student political coalitions in state history. We are active on over 20 campuses, with thousands of student volunteers actively making phone calls, knocking on doors, attending community events and utilizing social media to connect with Wisconsin voters.
If you would like an improved job climate when you graduate and a governor who will work tirelessly to improve our education system, lower taxes and work to make health-care affordable through private sector options, I encourage you to join me in voting for Scott Walker. With bold leadership, we can make this a Wisconsin we can believe in again.
—Nick Novak
State Chair
Students 4 Scott Walker
