Eau Claire (WQOW) - More than 1,600 protesters taking to the streets. That was the scene along Craig Road in Eau Claire Saturday morning, as they voiced their opposition to Governor Walker's budget legislation. Meanwhile, supporters of the governor rallied inside a nearby hotel. That group was smaller--around 200.
The pro-Walker rally was held at the Holiday Inn and was part of a statewide bus tour put on by Americans for Prosperity. The organization and those who rallied Saturday say they stand by the governor and his attempts to control state spending.
"Scott Walker has followed through with exactly what he said he was going to do when he was running for election," says Mike Griffin of Eau Claire. "I think he's trying to bring a reasonable approach. I know it causes change; nobody likes change. But, if you don't change, instead of being $3.6 billion deficit or in debt, it'll be three times that ten years down the road."
Outside the hotel, more than 1,600 people rallied in counter protest. The ralliers say they oppose Governor Walker's budget and what they call anti-union measures included in the governor's budget adjustment bill.
"The people who make decent incomes--the middle class is what makes the economy go," says Willem Gebben of Colfax. "When you diminish their earning power and you take away their rights, that is not going to make for a better state. I think people realize that."
Eau Claire police say the rallies happened without any incident and no arrests were made.
