Scott Walker is making overtures toward Tennessee Republicans while in Nashville to make a speech at NRA’s annual convention.
It’s all part of an effort to show the Wisconsin governor can appeal to Southern voters.
Walker arrived at the state Capitol shortly before noon on Thursday for a private meet-and-greet session with Tennessee lawmakers. Walker described a kinship between their work and his as governor.
“I just think the real success in America is happening in our statehouses, and I think we need more leaders in Washington who understand that and put more power back to the states.”
Thus begins Walker’s courtship of Tennesseans. The state will not be among the first to hold its presidential primary next spring, but it could provide a chance for Walker to show strength south of the Mason-Dixon line.
He’s already made a tour of South Carolina, an early primary state.
Tennesseans have been receptive to non-Southerners in the past, with Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum winning the state’s primary in 2012. But a strong campaign organization can be decisive in Tennessee, as demonstrated by Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, the winner in 2008.
State Sen. Mark Green (R-Clarksville) organized Thursday’s event for Walker. Green says he decided to get involved after following Walker in the press and reading his book.
“Called up his team. Started talking to the team. And then they called and said, ‘Hey, we want to meet some state legislators, and so would you set it up?’ And so I did.”
Walker was also greeted by staffers from Americans for Prosperity. The Koch brothers-backed group has been a major supporter of Walker in the past.
Gov. Bill Haslam did not attend, however. He was in West Tennessee.
Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey was also out of town. Nor did Walker meet with House Speaker Beth Harwell.
Evidence Walker still has plenty of work to do if he wants to sew up the endorsements of Tennessee’s top Republicans.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM