MILWAUKEE (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, facing a Democratic recall effort for his attempts to curb union rights, has given President Barack Obama a friendly tarmac welcome in Milwaukee.
After Air Force One landed and Obama deplaned, the governor presented him with a Milwaukee Brewers’ jersey that bore the number 1 and Obama’s name.
The airport greeting was drawing special attention, given Democratic antipathy toward Walker and the tense exchange Obama had last month in Mesa, Ariz., with Republican Arizona Gov. Jan. Brewer.
In a recent fundraising letter, Walker said surviving a recall election would deliver a “devastating blow” to Obama’s re-election.
But there was no drama Wednesday. The two smiled and shook hands and Walker presented the jersey to Obama, who examined it and folded it in his arms.
