Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is expected to announce his presidential bid in mid-July. (Dave Kaup/Reuters)
Scott Walker is making an early push to stockpile money for his likely presidential bid, asking donors to raise $27,000 by mid-July, when he is expected to launch a White House campaign.
An e-mail that went out to supporters Thursday asked them to be the first donors to a new “testing the waters” committee, which he can use to raise and spend money as he considers a run. All contributions made to the committee now would go to his eventual campaign.
Donors were urged to visit a new Web site and participate in “The Race to 270” by raising $27,000 by Sunday, July 12. That is the day before when supporters expect Walker to formally launch his campaign in the Milwaukee area.
“Once you cross the finish line, you will be invited to a special thank you event and be provided RACE TO 270 benefits,” according to an e-mail from fundraiser Jenny Drucker that was obtained by The Washington Post.
Those benefits include an exclusive Race to 270 event and special gear, along with an “Exclusive Race to 270 Conference Call with Governor Scott Walker,” according to the details provided to supporters.
The donation page of the new Web site asks supporters to show Walker that "he has the support to run for President of the United States."
"It is clear what we have accomplished in Wisconsin can be replicated across the country," the Web site states. "Big Government liberalism broke Washington. Limited government conservatism will fix it."
A spokeswoman for Walker's political organization said he will not make a final decision about running until after the Wisconsin budget is complete.
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However, the governor appeared to confirm his mid-July timing in an off-air comment to Fox’s John Roberts, who tweeted last week that Walker told him that “his presidential announcement would likely be around the 2nd week of July.”
Once Walker decides to run and collects $5,000 for his "testing the waters committee," he has 15 days to file his statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission.
Jenna Johnson contributed to this report.