Iowa matters to Scott Walker. A lot.
The Wisconsin governor plans to announce his presidential candidacy Monday in his home state, then spend Tuesday in Nevada, Wednesday in South Carolina and Thursday in New Hampshire, his staff said Wednesday. Each is an early voting state next year.
But Walker plans a bigger blitz in Iowa, a Wisconsin neighbor and the nation’s first caucus state, where he has been leading in polls. He is scheduled to begin a three-day tour July 17 in a Winnebago, stopping at 11 cities over three days.
Iowa is critical to Walker’s bid to win the Republican presidential nomination. Quinnipiac’s poll late last month characterized the Republican race in the state as “Walker and six also-rans.” He led with 18 percent. Next were retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson and business mogul Donald Trump, each with 10 percent.
Walker’s support, though, has dropped. He had 25 percent in the February survey and 21 percent in May.
But he remains strong. Among Quinnipiac’s findings: He has the best favorability rating, 66 to 8 percent, among Iowa likely Republican Caucus participants. He also does well on personal qualities, as 71 percent say he’s honest and trustworthy, 75 percent give him high marks on strong leadership and 71 percent say he cares about their needs and problems.
David Lightman: 202-383-6101, @lightmandavid
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