THREE MARTINI LUNCH: MARCH 2, 2015

National Review's Jim Geraghty and Radio America's Greg Corombos discuss current events. Today's Martinis: The impact of CPAC and a possible GOP Senate pick-up in Maryland, another Putin critic turns up dead, and John Kerry's rosy view of U.S.-Israeli relations.



Walker Thrills a Packed House at CPAC

Scott Walker hit all the right notes when he took the stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Thursday to address a standing-room-only crowd — even gamely handling a heckler. Walker was talking up Republicans' push to pass a right-to-work law in Wisconsin, a measure to weaken labor unions, when a heckler stood up and began shouting in the packed ballroom. What he said wasn't clear, but Walker handled it like a pro: He quipped, "Apparently the protesters come [here] from Wisconsin as well."

The governor, considered a top contender in the 2016 Republican presidential primary, got a quick standing ovation for his response — one of a number he got during his address. After spending some time touting his strong domestic record as governor of Wisconsin, Walker sharply criticized the Obama administration for its ineffective strategy in the fight against the Islamic State, and its disapproval of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming address before Congress.

Walker's speech, one of the most anticipated of the conference, capped off the first day, and had the auditorium filled to capacity, including crowds standing alongside the walls. Before Walker wrapped up, the crowd briefly erupted into a chant of "run, Scott, run" when talk on stage turned to 2016...

#BREAKING: Senator Rand Paul takes 1st place in the #CPAC2015 straw-poll. Governor Scott Walker comes in at a close 2nd place. #gop #tcot
— Mac Stoddard (@MacStoddard) February 28, 2015

The full results pic.twitter.com/pTqGmXrjSE
— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) February 28, 2015

Combining first and second choices -- Paul 42, Walker 40
— David Freddoso (@freddoso) February 28, 2015

So even though @SenRandPaul people were bussed in, @ScottWalker was only 2 points behind, pretty telling.
— Ashe Schow (@AsheSchow) February 28, 2015

So in reality Walker wins the CPAC poll.
— Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) February 28, 2015

5th place in #CPAC2015 straw poll! Nice job @JebBush #loser
— Ari David (@AriDavidUSA) February 28, 2015

When you bus in hundreds and only get 8%, you should probably drop your campaign aspirations. #JebEpicFail
— Benji Backer (@BenjiBacker) February 28, 2015

Yikes, #JebBush gets whipped in #CPAC2015 straw poll despite best astroturfing efforts - beaten even by Ben @RealBenCarson
— Christian Adams (@ElectionLawCtr) February 28, 2015

The real takeaway from CPAC Straw Poll is Scott Walker's performance, impressive precisely because he didn't seek to game his vote. Real.
— Jeff B@AoSHQDD (@EsotericCD) February 28, 2015

After his single-digit FAIL in the #CPAC2015 straw poll look 4 @JebBush 2 retaliate quickly. Expect his op-ed in @Jezebel early next week...
— Moira Fitzgerald ن (@Moira1987) February 28, 2015

Also read:

Walker Op-ed: We must repair the ruptured bonds between Israel and the United States

TWS Poll Results: Walker in a Walk