Late Monday in Madison, Gov. Scott Walker announced, "I will suspend my campaign immediately, I encourage other candidates to do the same."
Walker said he believes he is being called to lead, by helping to clear a crowded field of Republican candidates. He also encouraged the GOP candidates remaining in the race to "offer a positive conservative alternative to the current front-runner," without naming real-estate mogul Donald Trump.
Walker soared to the top of several polls earlier this year, after delivering a rousing speech to conservative activists in Iowa. In recent weeks, his poll ratings have plunged to near zero, after he switched positions on several issues and failed to gain traction at the first two GOP debates.
Observers hinted that Walker's campaign was beginning to have money and perhaps staff challenges.
The governor is the second Republican candidate to drop out of the 2016 race, with the first being former Texas Gov. Rick Perry.
Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) shared these remarks on Walker's decision to drop out of the race:
“Wisconsin is fortunate to have Governor Walker for four full years. The Badger State has benefitted greatly under his leadership with the Act 10 reforms, billions of dollars in tax cuts and a decrease in property taxes. He has set the bar high for successful governors. Governor Walker has an amazing story to tell about turning Wisconsin around. It is unfortunate that the bluster of candidates overshadowed his substance. I look forward to working with Governor Walker on additional reform measures throughout his second term in office. The nation’s loss is truly Wisconsin’s gain.”
