Scott Walker: Forget toys for the kids and give money to me

Gov. Scott Walker’s campaign emailed a gift suggestion to his supporters: Skip the long holiday shopping lines and send your money to his reelection campaign instead of spending it on presents for the kids.

“Instead of electronics or toys that will undoubtedly be outdated, broken, or lost by the next Holiday Season, help give your children the gift of a Wisconsin that we can all be proud of,” the governor’s campaign wrote.

As noted by the blog Cognitive Dissidence, Walker’s request comes during a holiday season that’s been characterized by unusual gift ideas. Walmart suggested holding a food drive for its own employees, who are paid only an average of $15,000 per year. Many must supplement their income with food stamps in order to feed their families.

Walmart showed a profit last year of $17 billion and the Walton family’s wealth is equal to 42 percent of the rest of the nation’s.

McDonald’s told its employees to sell their gifts and pay off their bills.

But Cognitive Dissidence said those suggestions “can’t hold a candle to Scott Walker.”

Walker, who’s launching a presidential bid, faces a reelection race next year for governor. Polls show him neck and neck with Mary Burke, the only Democrat who’s announced a run against him.

Walker has unlimited funds available through out-of-state tea party groups and energy companies who see his reelection as central to their future. Walker appeared yesterday on “Face the Nation,” where he tried to backtrack from his harsh record on women’s reproduction rights.