Now Republican lawmakers are pressing to set the agenda.
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In addition to right-to-work legislation, conservatives are talking about social issues, such as banning abortions for pregnancies after 20 weeks, and making it more difficult for prosecutors to launch secret "John Doe" investigations, which are Wisconsin's version of a grand jury probe. Walker himself has been the target of two such probes. Both issues could provoke legislative battles.
The statewide Chamber of Commerce is among the powerful interests pushing for a right-to-work law. Backers argue that Wisconsin will be at a competitive disadvantage in attracting business until it can guarantee that workers won't have to pay union dues on union-contract jobs if they don't want to. Several neighboring states have such laws.
"It just feels like this is the right time for it," said Republican Rep. Chris Kapenga, who plans to sponsor the measure.
Walker dismissed the issue as "a distraction" and said tax cuts mean more for the economy. Walker wants to cut both property and income taxes and run through several other conservative priorities, such as required drug testing for food stamp recipients and expanded school vouchers. He also needs to address a looming $2.2 billion budget shortfall, and wants the budget wrapped up faster than usual.
"You can see why he would just as soon put off things like right to work," said Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette University Law School poll, who noted that, after withstanding protests over the anti-union action in his first term, Walker would rather demonstrate smooth efficiency in contrast to the political gridlock of Congress.
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