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Photo 1 of Gov. Scott Walker Speaking at the Iowa Freedom Summit
January 24, 2015--Of all of the potential candidates to speak at the Summit, Gov. Scott Walker undoubtedly received the biggest boost.  Part of this was due to the fact that this was the first view that many people had of him as a potential candidate whereas they have seen some of others a number of times, and part of it was due to the fact that he hit so many of the right notes in his speech.  Walker set the tone by thanking the audience for helping him in his campaigns.  It was not a cursory thank you but a detailed thank you covering everything from activists on the ground in Wisconsin to contributions to prayers.  Walker's recounting of some of the threats he and his family endured further drew the audience's sympathy.  Walker presented a picture of courage without actually saying the word.  Walker also effectively presented himself as a regular guy (a contrast to 2012 Republican nominee Mitt Romney, who sometimes had trouble connecting) with his account of how to shop at Kohl's.  He highlighted his family perhaps more than any of the potential candidates who spoke, mentioning his wife Tonette by name five times.  And, very importantly, Walker's core message resonated well with attendees. "If you're not afraid to go big and go bold you can actually get results," Walker declared.  [transcript]
Photo 2 of Gov. Scott Walker Speaking at the Iowa Freedom Summit
Photo 3 of Gov. Scott Walker Speaking at the Iowa Freedom Summit
Photo 4 of Gov. Scott Walker Speaking at the Iowa Freedom Summit
Photo 5 of Gov. Scott Walker Speaking at the Iowa Freedom Summit
Photo 6 of Gov. Scott Walker Speaking at the Iowa Freedom Summit
Walker strode around the stage using the hand-held mic.  He had a red tie but did not wear a jacket, and the sleeves on his light blue shirt were partially up, showing yellow, red and grey wristbands on his left wrist.

Walker had no other public events on this trip.  Rick Wiley, who has been organizing Walker's political effort since late 2014, was on hand at the Summit. [more photos]
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