Uppity Wisconsin

Conservatives who subscribed last year to the osmosis theory of church and state -- the one that said public officials were responsible for and agreed with everything their pastors say and do, unless they specifically condemn or disavow it -- will be surprised to discover the liberal views of Scott Walker, Republican candidate for governor.

The Heartland Hollar blog features a remarkable video of Walker's pastor, the Rev. Jamie Washam, who -- unlike Walker --- opposed the state's ban on gay marriages.   [UPDATE: Walker now says he attends a different church, although Rev. Washam's church was listed in his campaign biography in 2005, the year she was marching against the Iraq war (above.)  More at end of this post.]

She also -- unlike Walker-- supports women's reproductive rights, and -- unlike You-Know-Who -- was an early, vocal opponent of the war in Iraq. The photo above shows her marching with Clergy and Laity Concerned in Washington in 2005, when US combat deaths totaled about 1,500. She was a member of the group's national board, and a signer on this letter:

An Open Letter to the President of the United States and U.S. Congress

We, the undersigned, write this letter to express our deep disappointment and moral outrage at the passage of the $82 Billion supplemental budget for the continued war against and occupation of Iraq. We as people of faith stand firmly against this war. The best support for our troops would be to bring them back to their families...

First, our nation entered into the war on false pretense and fear and violated international law. Religious leaders from every faith tradition opposed the preemptive war on the people of Iraq because of half-truths, our administration's haste to make war, and the reckless abandonment of democratic processes.

Pretty strong stuff.

Personally, I think it's terrific that Walker is exposed to those liberal viewpoints, which he must be, judging from how often he tweets about going to church. And we must conclude that he agrees with the pastor and supports her viewpoints, since he has not criticized her, quit the congregation or done anything else to distance himself from the message she preaches -- love one another, don't kill one another.

It almost seems like the kind of church where I'd feel comfortable politically -- if it weren't for the religious part that goes with it.

Isn't it refreshing to have a Republican running for governor who actually supports gay marriage, abortion rights, and an end to the war?

I think so. But I wonder what the talk jocks will say. Will there be a different standard for Walker than there was for Obama?

As one of those Republican radio hosts used to say, back before I had my radio dial welded to another station, cue the crickets.

UPDATE:  Walker, obviously informed of the questions being raised, now tweets that he attends Meadowbook Church in Wauwatosa.  Here's what his campaign bio said in 2005:

The Walkers are active members of the Underwood Memorial Baptist Church.

 Should be interesting to hear the rest of the story about why he left.

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