Gov. Walker endorses Cruz

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is endorsing Texas Senator Ted Cruz in the Republican presidential race. 

Walker announced his decision Tuesday on Milwaukee conservative radio, saying “it’s time we elect a strong new leader.  I’ve chosen to endorse Ted Cruz.”

Walker signaled last week that he was likely to back Cruz, saying then that he was the only candidate who has a chance at beating front runner Donald Trump.  When Walker ended his presidential bid last year, he called on others to join him in dropping out to make it easier to defeat Trump.

It’s unclear how much Walker’s backing will help Cruz in Wisconsin ahead of the state’s April 5 primary.  Walker’s approval rating hasn’t exceeded 40 percent in over a year. 

Meanwhile, Senator Ted Cruz says Walker’s “heroic” battle with unions inspired him and millions of others. 

Cruz calls Walker a “strong, principled conservative” and notes that he won three elections over four years.  Walker defeated a recall election in 2012 spurred by his push to all-but-eliminate collective bargaining for public workers. 

Cruz said “millions of men and women all across the state of Wisconsin stood with Gov. Walker” during that fight. 

Walker says he plans to campaign with Cruz later this week.