Wis. governor: ‘We’re going to take this as long as it takes’

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker (R) is not planning to make concessions to end the budget standoff any time soon, he indicated on “Fox News Sunday.”

“We’re going to take this as long as it takes,” he said. “In the end we’re doing the right thing for Wisconsin.”

{mosads}He said proposals to resolve the budget dispute without reining in union power would not suffice and are simply “red herrings” because they would not fix underlying problems.

“Wisconsin potentially could be leading the way when it comes to budgetary and fiscal reform in this country,” he said.

Walker blasted Senate Demcrats in Wisconsin for fleeing the state to block a vote on his controversial proposal, which would reduce benefits for public employees and rein in collective bargaining rights.

“Democracy means you show up and participate,” he said. “Democracy is not about hiding out in another state.”

Walker also had some tough words for President Obama, who has weighed in to criticize the governor’s aggressive proposal: “The president should stay focused on fixing the federal deficit,” Walker said.

Wisconsin citizens who have showed up in the capital to protest in both directions are playing an appropriate role, he added.

“They have a right to be heard,” he said.