Sen. Hatch: Democrats are better off with governors like Walker

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) argued Wednesday that even Democrats should be happy about Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's victory in a state recall election.

Hatch said politicians in states like California and Illinois that have serious budget problems should welcome Walker's victory.

"Politicians in those states do not have the courage of people like Gov. Scott Walker and our folks here who support the unions really ought to be happy that this is happening because they themselves may not be able to accomplish this but courageous governors like Gov. Walker can," Hatch said. "And in the end they're better off, as Democrats, because you have a reasonable approach towards some of these inordinate problems that are affecting our states." 

Hatch's comments came the day after Walker overcame an effort to recall him and make Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett (D) governor. The recall election was in response to Walker pushing controversial legislation that rolled back bargaining rights for public-sector unions. The legislation was meant to help improve the state's economy. 

The recall election was viewed as a referendum on Walker's legislation and public-sector unions. 

"Going forward, it is absolutely vital that more states should follow Wisconsin's example," Hatch said.

Walker beat Barrett 54 percent to 45 percent.

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