OPEN THREAD: GOP Top Ten Debate

Watch along with us and weigh in during the main GOP debate at 9PM eastern. The event will be live-streamed on Fox News where you'll need your cable system login to watch.

Walker Punk'd By Climate Activists

(Tipped by JMG reader BKMN)

PHILADELPHIA: Protesters Disrupt Scott Walker's Appearance At Local Eatery

Business Insider reports:

Presidential candidate and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) was heckled while participating in the time-honored tradition of grabbing a cheesesteak in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Photos of the event showed at least two protesters holding up rather lewd signs while Walker schmoozed at Geno's Steaks, a cheesesteak joint famous for expecting its customers to order in English. The Associated Press reported that a campaign aide stood on a bench and tried to block the signs. It wasn't clear why the protesters did not like Walker. However, one video showed a heckler shouting the name of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), a Democratic presidential candidate.

(Tipped by JMG reader Ed)

Walker Confirms For Duggar Fest 2015

That makes five out of 16 declared GOP presidential candidates: Walker, Huckabee, Santorum, Cruz, and Carson. So far. Who will say no?

PFAW Vs Scott Walker

Scott Walker Evades The Question: I Don't Know If Being Gay Is A Choice Or Not

The Hill reports:

Gov. Scott Walker (R-Wis.) said on Sunday he is not sure if homosexuality is a choice. The 2016 GOP presidential candidate refused comment on the issue during an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “I don’t know the answer to that question,” Walker said when asked if being gay is a choice. “That’s not even an issue for me to be involved in,” he said. “I don’t have an opinion on every single issue out there.” “I am going to spend my time focusing on the issues I do know and can work on,” he added. Walker also said his White House run is focused on representing all Americans, even ones who do not support his beliefs. “I’m going to fight for people regardless of whether they vote for me or not,” he said. “That’s not even an issue for me to be involved in,” Walker added.

The Human Rights Campaign reacts: "It's appalling that a candidate for president in the year 2015 could botch such a fundamental question. Of course it isn't a choice. If it was, Scott Walker would be able to tell us when he chose to be straight."

GOP Field Denounces Donald Trump

The Hill reports:

Republicans of all stripes spent Saturday hammering Donald Trump for his remarks mocking Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) over his time spent as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Many of the GOP’s most visible members are suggesting the outspoken billionaire and presidential candidate went too far taunting McCain during a speech Saturday afternoon. “He was a war hero because he was captured,” Trump sarcastically told host Frank Luntz during the 2015 Family Leadership Summit in Ames, Iowa. “I like people who weren’t captured.” The quip came after Luntz challenged Trump’s criticisms of McCain’s political career. The pollster questioned his verbal attacks on McCain, calling him a “war hero.” “I supported McCain for president,” Trump said. “He lost and let us down,” he added, arguing he spent $1 million supporting McCain’s Oval Office bid. “I’ve never liked him as much after that,” Trump added. “I don’t like losers.”

Ted Cruz won't condemn Trump:

Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas), who considers himself a friend of both McCain and Trump, refused comment on the bitter feud. "I recognize that folks in the press love to see Republican-on-Republican violence, so you want me to say something about Donald Trump or bad about John McCain or bad about anyone else,” he said, according to The Washington Post. “I’m not going to do it.” “John McCain is a friend of mine,” Cruz added. “I respect and admire him and he’s an American hero. And Donald Trump is a friend of mine.”

HRC Denounces Scott Walker

Via press release:

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released the following statement after Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's campaign refused to answer a question from a Washington Post columnist about whether Walker "thought children needed to be protected from gay men." According to the story, Walker's spokesperson "did not respond."

HRC’s Director of Policy and Political Affairs JoDee Winterhof released the following statement: “Scott Walker claims to be a new face on the national stage, but he’s introducing himself to a national audience with an outdated and offensive idea. He and his campaign should answer this simple, straightforward question: Does he think we pose a threat to the health and safety of children? Yes or no? His campaign's attempt to duck this simple question is unworthy of a candidate who is seeking an office that is responsible for representing all Americans – including LGBT people.”

Yesterday, Walker asserted that he supports the Boy Scouts of America (BSA)’s current discriminatory policy that bars gay, lesbian and bisexual adults from serving as employees and troop leaders because it "protected" children.

God Vs Scott Walker

Scott Walker: I Will Beat Any Democrat

"After we won the election in 2010 and curbed collective bargaining for public employees, my political enemies launched an ugly recall race against me in 2012. With help from committed conservatives from every single state, we won that race and then won an equally tough re-election race in 2014. That’s three victories in four years, despite the might, muscle, manpower, and money of the Liberal Democrats. There is not a speck of doubt in my mind that with your help, Friend, I will earn the Republican Party nomination and I WILL defeat Hillary Clinton or whomever the Democrats nominate. You hold the power in your hands. Please take on the challenge of electing a Republican as America’s 45th President and stand with me with a contribution of whatever amount is right for you." - Scott Walker, endorsed by God, in a lengthy money beg sent today.

Scott Walker Issues First Campaign Clip

Scott Walker: God Told Me To Run For President And Stop Gay Marriage

"My relationship with God drives every major decision in my life. Each day I pray and then take time to read from the Bible and from a devotional named Jesus Calling. As you can imagine, the months leading up to my announcement that I would run for President of the United States were filled with a lot of prayer and soul searching. Here’s why: I needed to be certain that running was God’s calling -- not just man’s calling. I am certain: This is God’s plan for me and I am humbled to be a candidate for President of the United States.

"Our conservative values were handed a big blow with the recent Supreme Court ruling. Let me be very clear: this decision was a grave mistake. Five unelected judges took it upon themselves to take that responsibility away from the states and redefine the institution of marriage. In 2006, I voted to amend my state constitution to protect the institution of marriage because I believe that marriage is between one man and one woman. I believe that the states have the right to define marriage. To protect this right, I support an amendment to the United States Constitution to reaffirm the ability of the states to continue to define marriage." - Scott Walker, in a money beg emailed to supporters today.

Scott Walker: I'm In For 2016

Airing Today In Iowa

Via press release:

Today, the Agenda Project Action Fund - known for hard-hitting ads such as “Romney Girl,” “Republican Cuts Kill,” and “Granny Off the Cliff” — launched a new campaign with American Family Voices targeting Governor Scott Walker’s ties to the Koch brothers. The campaign includes ad buys in Iowa and DC. “Puppet for President” is the first in a series planned against Walker which will focus on his relationship with the billionaire Koch brothers. The series will paint Walker as a bought and paid for PUPPET of the GOP mega-donors. “Americans are fed up with the influence of money has on our political leaders and they will vote accordingly,” said Agenda Project President Erica Payne. “Our goal is to highlight the most egregious offenders and force them to pay a political price. The relationship between the Kochs and Governor Walker is an embarrassment to our democracy.”

Walker will announce later today.

Scott Walker's Sons: We Don't Try To Change His Mind About Marriage

Scott Walker Jumps The Gun

Scott Walker isn't due to formally announce his candidacy until Monday, but yesterday afternoon his team fired out the above tweet. The tweet was deleted after brief firestorm of questions across Twitter.

Ted Cruz Tops Breitbart "Primary"

Via Breitbart:

In June, 55,000 people voted in the Breitbart Primary, and they preferred Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker to win the GOP’s 2016 presidential nomination. In June’s inaugural Breitbart Primary poll, Cruz finished first nationally (33%)–and in each of the first three nominating states–with Walker (23%), who has yet to declare his candidacy, right on his heels. Sen. Rand Paul finished in third with 10%, followed by Dr. Ben Carson (7%), former Texas Governor Rick Perry (5%), businessman Donald Trump (4%), former Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina (4%), and Sen. Marco Rubio (4%).

Breitbart will repeat the poll every month until the GOP convention.

REPORT: Scott Walker's Wife And Sons Disagree With Him On Same-Sex Marriage

Following the Obergefell ruling, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker called it a "grave mistake" for America. As it turns out, he's the lone holdout in his own household.

In their house, Tonette Walker heard immediately about her husband’s response from the couple’s two sons, Matt and Alex, who are taking time off from college to help their father’s campaign. She told them to talk directly to him. “That was a hard one,” Tonette said, pausing and choosing her words carefully. “Our sons were disappointed. I was torn. I have children who are very passionate [in favor of same-sex marriage], and Scott was on his side very passionate.” “It’s hard for me because I have a cousin who I love dearly — she is like a sister to me — who is married to a woman, her partner of 18 years,” she said. She said her son Alex was her cousin’s best man at their wedding last year. The couple, Shelli Marquardt and Cathy Priem, have vacationed and hosted parties with the Walkers, according to friends.

Walker is expected to officially declare his 2016 bid next Monday. In an odd move, last night his campaign tweeted out a partial image of his campaign logo.

Scott Walker: Send Me Some Money If You Think I Should Run For President

"Friend, as a trusted leader in the Conservative movement I need to ask you an important question. Should I run for President of the United States? I have been praying about this decision for a long time and if I do decide to seek the Republican nomination for President I need to know you’ll stand with me. If you think I should run please let me know by donating $10, $35, $75, $100, $250 or even $500 today. I didn’t inherit fame or fortune and I don’t think being President is by birthright, but I do believe I am uniquely qualified to lead this country. Your early support will confirm my feelings and let me know if my family and I should embark on this journey. The next few days will be critical and I need to know I can count on you. So what do you think, Friend? Should I run for President of the United States?" - Scott Walker, via email.

Scott Walker Launches 2016 Site

Via the Washington Post:

Scott Walker is making an early push to stockpile money for his likely presidential bid, asking donors to raise $27,000 by mid-July, when he is expected to launch a White House campaign. An e-mail that went out to supporters Thursday asked them to be the first donors to a new “testing the waters” committee, which he can use to raise and spend money as he considers a run. All contributions made to the committee now would go to his eventual campaign. Donors were urged to visit a new Web site and participate in “The Race to 270” by raising $27,000 by Sunday, July 12. That is the day before when supporters expect Walker to formally launch his campaign in the Milwaukee area.

As of now there are twelve officially declared GOP candidates.