DES MOINES, Iowa — With an eye trained on the Republican presidential nomination, Gov. Scott Walker told Iowa conservatives that Americans need a leader willing to embrace big ideas. And he promised the GOP faithful his appearance Saturday at the unofficial kickoff of the 2016 primary campaign would be the first of many visits to the Hawkeye State this year.
IOWA freedom summit | Republican presidential hopefuls converge
As 2016 campaign begins, Scott Walker looks to set himself apart in Iowa
From the Scott Walker's short-lived presidential campaign series
Scott Walker has set up a committee in preparation for a 2016 presidential run, marking the first formal step he has taken in the race.
His speech earns high marks from conservatives and national media, but his song choice gets scorn from the band.
The Wisconsin governor impressed the thousands of activists who attended CPAC in 2013.
The former governor said he doesn't blame Walker's presidential schedule for a budget flap over the Wisconsin Idea.
The Wisconsin governor is mulling a presidential bid, but a spokeswoman says he isn't in "pre-candidacy phase."
The strategy of bashing the media is old hat, but rarely works, according to a national political expert.
The 2016 presidential contender comes out in favor of the renewable fuel standard, which he previously opposed.
The state is a must-win for Walker, who launched his campaign on Monday touting his winner/fighter record.
The Wisconsin governor also plans to take a Winnebago tour across Iowa the weekend after he announces.
He plans to attend the South Carolina Freedom Summit, which will feature other GOP presidential contenders.
Top Democratic lawmakers also distanced themselves from the tactic on Tuesday.
The 2016 presidential contender comes out in favor of the renewable fuel standard, which he previously opposed.
Winning a crowded Assembly election, running for county executive and exiting the 2006 governor's race helped advance Walker's political career.
The move is expected to boost a Gov. Scott Walker presidential campaign that could launch next month.
Walker voted against a bill in 2002 before signing it into law in 2011, but he says he opposed a late-night vote on bill.
He plans trips to more early primary states and his issue group's new ad calls for leadership from the states.
Walker made his comments after his 2016 presidential stock rose substantially over the last week.
The visit to a key presidential primary state comes on the heels of visits to GOP gatherings in Iowa and elsewhere.
Wisconsin's Republican governor will join other 2016 GOP presidential hopefuls in Iowa in late January.
Walker said Clinton has left areas of the world "messed up" and defended his lack of foreign policy experience.
The decision by the 2012 GOP vice presidential nominee clears a path for Gov. Scott Walker.
The second-term Republican governor is expected to draw distinctions between Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.
