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B y the time Scott Walker arrived before a congressional committee on April 14, he needed no introduction to its members or the country. During his short tenure as governor, Walker had become a national figure, both loved and loathed. Now he had a chance to make his case to the nation before the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee as the panel explored the debt facing state and local governments. Walker continued to draw support from conservatives around the country— in just two days, former GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin would rally supporters on the lawn of the Wisconsin Capitol—but it was one of Wisconsin ’s own that introduced Walker to the committee. Congressman F. James Sensenbrenner Jr. told members that Walker had a Republican pedigree but still managed to win election three times as the leader of one of the country’s most Democratic counties. “His political success has been based upon the fact that he tells people where he stands and once elected implements that,” Sensenbrenner said. He noted that Walker had come to national prominence only recently, but argued those who knew him best were not surprised by his changes on collective bargaining. “He’s a very polarizing figure, but those of us who love him in Wisconsin really thank him for the job that he’s done,” the congressman continued. Also appearing at the hearing was Peter Shumlin, the Democratic Vermont governor. After their introductions, Walker and Shumlin were sworn in, shook hands, and sat down. Walker ran down Wisconsin’s budget problems and noted most other states were dealing with their fiscal woes with mass layo¤s or major tax hikes. “In Wisconsin, we have a di¤erent option, a progressive— 18  A Court Divided 247 in the best sense of the word—a progressive option,” he said, jabbing liberals who saw his proposal as a betrayal of the state’s Progressive history. “For us, we’re giving state and local governments the tools they need not just to balance the budget this year or for the next two years, but for generations to come.” Walker concentrated his opening comments on making public employees pay more for their benefits, rather than limiting collective bargaining. The Vermont governor also stressed the diªcult economic times facing all states and highlighted the need to work together. He handed a small bottle of Vermont maple syrup to Walker, who smiled broadly and held it aloft to a smattering of applause. Shumlin said that he had negotiated pay cuts and higher retirement ages for workers “without taking on the basic right of collective bargaining .” “We get more with maple syrup than we do with vinegar,” Shumlin said. Walker advocated a di¤erent tack. “I believe more important than working together is that people want results,” he said. In his written testimony, he went even farther, saying, “Sometimes, bipartisanship is not so good.” Members of the committee spent the next two and a half hours peppering the governors with questions. The Republicans praised Walker, thanking him for making tough choices. The Democrats grilled him. Congressman Dennis Kucinich of Ohio questioned how requiring unions to hold annual recertification votes would save the state money. Walker conceded there were no savings but said he wanted to “give the workers the right to choose.” Bruce Braley, an Iowa Democrat, noted that Walker’s campaign had focused on bringing people together. “I think if Dr. Phil were here, he’d say, ‘How’s that working for you?’” he said. Walker said that he believed he had brought people together by getting bipartisan votes on earlier legislation. Braley cut him o¤, and Walker responded, “If you want to do a political stunt, go ahead.” Virginia Democrat Gerald Connolly asked Walker why he did not highlight his ideas for collective bargaining in his run for governor. Walker acknowledged he was not explicit about his ideas on the issue in the campaign. “I didn’t run an ad saying I’m going to do exactly this,” he said. But he also stated that people should not have been taken aback by his actions given his campaign themes and his actions as county executive. “So from your point of view, nobody should have been surprised?” Connolly asked. “That’s correct, 100 percent correct,” said Walker. In the back of the crowded room, the young Fitchburg lawyer Jenni Dye stood and watched the exchanges. She was in Washington as part of a...

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