Scott Walker's tax cuts build resume, divide state

With a nearly $1 billion projected budget surplus expected next year, Walker wants to slash property and income taxes as he heads into reelection this fall — a move many say could also grease a 2016 presidential bid should he decide to run. …

“We’re recreating the problem,” said Dale Schultz, a 22-year state Senate Republican. “The tax plan sets us up for a very bad time in the future.” …

“Walker is probably trying to appeal to the Republican national primary constituency as opposed to the population in Wisconsin, which leans somewhat Democratic,” said Paul Sracic, chair of political science at Youngstown State University in Ohio. …

“The national spotlight is all he cares about,” said Senate Minority Leader Chris Larson (D), who worked with Walker during the governor’s stint serving Milwaukee County. “The long-term future of whatever entity he is governing is secondary to his political ambitions.”