GOP gubernatorial candidate Scott Walker 'brown bags' it in Ashwaubenon

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By Malavika Jagannathan

ASHWAUBENON — Milwaukee County Executive and Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Walker emphasized both his personal approach to finances and plans to cut spending as governor with about 20 employees at a local manufacturing company.

Kicking off what the candidate is calling his "Brown Bag Lunch Tour," Walker met with employees at Rol-Tec, a manufacturing company that makes and supplies rubber roll coverings, urethane products and specialty roll services for industry used in the papermaking, agriculture and military industries.

On Monday, Walker emphasized his vision for job growth in the state, which relies heavily on tax cuts for businesses and individuals, less government involvement in job creation and fewer regulations on businesses.

Walker, one of seven candidates vying for the Republican nomination, plans on at least 30 of these events across the state, and foresees continuing this type of dialogue as governor, he said.

Political analysts say Walker's chief rivals in September's Republican primary are former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann and Appleton businessman Mark Todd.

"I'm convinced that manufacturing, agriculture and tourism will lift the state out of this recession," Walker said, as he promoted his personal frugal habits and spending cuts he has made as Milwaukee County's executive.

His specific goals include lowering taxes on individuals and businesses, capping property taxes and easing regulations. Pointing to Texas as an example of where private sector jobs have flourished in the last decade in a favorable tax climate, Walker said Wisconsin needed to do something "unconventional."

Mike Tate, chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, said voters in the Green Bay area should look past campaign rhetoric at Walker's record.

"He has opposed job creation (and) consistently opposed economic development in Milwaukee County," Tate said. "He's not fiscally responsible."

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20100223/GPG0101/2230507/120...