NJ governor campaigns for Wisconsin governor facing recall

Howard, Wis. (WFRV)-- Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker brought in an out-of-state friend to help campaign in his recall election on Tuesday.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie joined him for a fundraiser at the Rock Gardens outside of Green Bay. 

This is not the first time Governor Walker enlisted the help of his friend Governor Christie. The two campaigned together when walker first ran for governor. Christie said he came back to help fight what he called a "special interest inflicted nightmare."

There is one obvious similarity between the two governors, their respective fights against public employee unions. 

Just months after Walker passed the budget repair bill that restricted public workers collective bargaining abilities, Christie passed a similar legislation in New Jersey that requires public employees to pay more for their health care and pensions.

"Scott Walker and I think much more about the character of teachers than their union does," said Governor Christie, "teachers deserve a union as good as they are, my quarrel and Scotts' quarrel is not with the great public school teachers in our state. We want to support them, we want to encourage them, and that's what his reforms are doing."

Christie spoke mostly of his approval of what Walker has done, calling his reforms common sense. While Walker talked about how his economic reforms have benefited the state. Walker asked supporters for their votes on both May 8 and June 5.

Both Walker and Christie talked about what a win on June 5 would mean for the entire country.

"That will not only empower him to continue to do the things that need to be done to move this state forward, but it will send an extraordinary message to leaders all across the country," said Christie.

"It will send a message all across this country not just republican governors but  to a handful of discerning democrats as well the time to push the problem off to the future," said Governor Walker.

Outside dozens of protesters made their presence clear for Walker and Christie, calling for an end to out of state influences.

"This fundraiser is on may day to honor labor and he's having a 2,500 dollar luncheon, it's just kind of hypocritical," said protest Patrick Fricke.

One thing both sides can agree on, all eyes will be on Wisconsin on June 5.

"Wisconsin will be judged on juke 5, and its aftermath," said Christie, "Do they stand with a man of courage and principle or do they take the easy way out and go back to yesterday."

Some people were invited to attend but for those who paid, it was $100 a seat,  $2,500 got you a seat at the table with both governors.

From Green Bay,  Walker and Christie went to Milwaukee for another fundraiser.