Gov. Walker Unplugged

During his time as the 45th governor of Wisconsin, Walker became a national icon for his controversial role in collective bargaining.

While protesters stormed the Capitol, his administration fought to highlight his fiscal accomplishments.

But who really is the man behind the governor?

In a Local 5 exclusive interview--Walker opens up about the recall experience and the people that have played an influential role in the leader he has become today.

The Wisconsin recall shed national attention on Governor Walker and his administration. 

He was portrayed as a hero by small business owners and a defeatist by union organizers. 

When asked what he likes about being governor, he said "What's great about being governor is your days are never the same.  There's always something new, something exciting."

Whether he's watching a Packers game with his sons--Matthew and Alex--or curled up on the couch watching "love actually" with his wife, Tonette, Walker says it's his family that inspires him to be a better leader and father.

"Watching them develop into young men every step of the way is just such incredible pride and there's something you can't replace whether you're a father or a mother in terms of the unconditional love you have for your children," Walker said.

Walker began his political ambitions at 22, running for Milwaukee's 7th District seat in the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1990. 

Although he lost, he ran for State Assembly again three years later, winning an open seat in Wauwatosa.  But his role as a leader began much earlier.

Walker said, "Early leadership definitely came from scouting.  As a young kid, I got the chance to be a leader to my patrol, a leader to my troop and on my way to becoming an Eagle Scout.  Those are experiences young people just don't get."

Walker's initial spark into public service began in high school. 

As a student at Delevan-Darien High, Walker attended a two week leadership program through Badger Boys State. 

From there, he was one of two men selected to go to D.C. through the Boys Nation program.

It was really that year where I got interaction in Washington that made me think you know, public service," he said.

When he's not signing legislature, Walker enjoys riding his Harley Davidson, sipping on Culver's banana shakes, and the thrill of a good rollercoaster.

"If I can't ride on my motorcycle then being on the Zippin' Pippin' would be my favorite spot," he said of his favorite roller coaster which is in Green Bay.

Walking around his office, you can tell what's important to him. 

Pictures of his family and a replica of the Packer's Super Bowl ring. 

But it's the tokens from firefighters across the state and toy trucks sent from various mining companies--that remind him of the successes he's built during his time as governor.

"There's always 100 different new areas to work on and new ideas out there...People in the past who were Governor say that it's the best job in America and I can tell you without hesitation that they're absolutely right," Walker said.

Tuesday night at 10 p.m. our exclusive interview with Walker continues.

We'll hear from one of Scott Walker's closest aides. Plus could there be a potential run for the White House? 

We'll tell you what the governor's plans for the future are.