12-30-14 walker says considering presidential run not a distraction

MAPLE BLUFF, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker says he doesn’t see his consideration of a run for president as a distraction as he works on solving a $2.2 billion state budget shortfall.  Walker told The Associated Press on Monday that he views his thinking about a 2016 presidential run differently from a possible debate of right-to-work legislation. Walker has repeatedly said that debate would be a distraction from his agenda and he hopes the Legislature doesn’t take it up.  But he says a potential presidential run doesn’t distract from trying to enact his priorities next year, which include a property tax cut, a school accountability bill and government consolidation.  Walker says his viability as a potential presidential candidate depends on the state doing well, so it’s not in his interest to get distracted.