Walker Declines to Address Evolution as He Prepares for 2016 Bid

(Bloomberg) -- Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker declined to say whether he believes in evolution during an appearance in London aimed at boosting his foreign-policy credentials ahead of a possible 2016 bid for the Republican presidential nomination.

"I’m going to punt on that one as well," he told his interviewer, after a speech on free trade he gave on Wednesday to about 200 people at the Chatham House think tank, which focuses on international affairs.

"That’s a question a politician shouldn’t be involved in one way or the other," said Walker, 47. "I’m here to talk about trade, not to pontificate on other issues."

Scientists say evolution created humanity, although the exact origins of human life remains a controversial debate for some, including portions of the Republican base. Last year, even Pope Francis waded into the topic, saying the Big Bang theory doesn’t contradict the role of a divine creator.

Walker’s speech and subsequent question-and-answer session with reporters and others represented the only official public event during his four-day U.K. trade mission. The governor also refused to weigh in on foreign-policy questions, such as whether the U.S. should arm Ukrainian rebels.

"I have an opinion on that," he said. "I just don’t think you talk about foreign policy when you’re on foreign soil."

Walker’s London visit follows one last week by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who saw coverage of his trip turn negative after saying parents should have choice in immunizing their children and engaging in testy exchanges with reporters. Like Walker, Christie is contemplating a White House run.

— With assistance from Benjamin Katz in London.