To understand Scott Walker’s rise from state representative to county executive to front-runner for the office of Wisconsin governor, one must first know the meaning of a simple two-letter acronym: P.K.

The Milwaukee County executive and Republican nominee has reached the precipice of the state’s highest office with a message and approach that has roots in a rural Wisconsin church and the man who ministered there.

That’s because Walker was — and is — a preacher’s kid.

It’s a label that carries the burden of expectations, especially in a small town. More than a few have wilted under it or rebelled against it. Walker learned from it.

Growing up, he watched his father minister to people as they struggled with family and money problems, offering advice when warranted and a shoulder to lean on when needed.

“I watched how my father dealt with people, how he really listened to them, and I have always tried to emulate that in my daily life,” he said.

In a little more than a week, Walker, 42, will face Democratic Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett in the general election. He leads by wide margins in most polls, propelled in no small part by his reputation as an uncompromising fiscal hawk.