August 8, 2018

[Madison, WI] — Governor Scott Walker held a press conference Tuesday to weigh in on the Democrats’ dangerous plans to cut the prison population that would surely mean allowing violent offenders out into our communities. While Democrats doubled down on supporting their unsafe plans, Scott Walker made clear that he’s standing with victims, not criminals:

Check out more coverage of the governor’s event in the news:

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Walker’s focus Tuesday was on criticizing the Democrats seeking to challenge him over their support for cutting the population of about 23,500 adult inmates. Reducing the population by half would mean letting free about 4,000 violent offenders because two-thirds of the state’s inmates are doing time for violent crimes, Walker said.

From WisPolitics: Walker said that even if all non-violent offenders were let out, including those convicted of crimes such as burglary and driving under the influence, nearly 4,000 violent offenders would have to be released to hit the 50 percent goal. “I think this is dangerous,” Walker said. “I think what they’re proposing is dangerously liberal, and it’s based on a myth about the prison population.”

From the Associated Press: “This is about as clear cut as it gets,” Walker said. “If you believe that violent offenders should be let out early, then one of these candidates is probably your candidate.” Walker said that although he hasn’t visited a state prison, he has spoken to offenders who participated in employment training programs. He said inmate job training is a better alternative to reforming the correctional system than releasing offenders early.

From Fox 6 News: Walker criticized four of his Democratic challengers for wanting to cut the prison population by half. He said two-thirds of criminals in Wisconsin prisons are violent, meaning the Democrats would have to release thousands of violent offenders to reach their goal. He made the point while standing next to three mugshots.