Pension overhauls in Wis. topic at GOP conference

Republican activists are taking solace in success stories by governors and legislatures in GOP-leaning states.

That’s as their party tries to regroup after the disappointments of a bruising presidential contest and a stalled agenda in Washington.

Here’s what fired up Washington-weary GOP stalwarts at a weekend conference in Florida of conservatives: pension overhauls in Wisconsin, tax cuts in Indiana and labor losses in Michigan.

Some of the biggest applause was reserved for governors who did not attend the event.
The mere mention of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a tea-party favorite who won national attention for his battles with organized labor, prompted thunderous cheers.

That was despite a speaking card full of potential presidential hopefuls, including Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.