Walker: Take back the state

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Beloit Daily News
By John Ranallo

“We have got 10 months from Tuesday until we take this great state back,” said Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor Scott Walker to a room of 275 people.

Sunday’s Lincoln Day dinner brought forth Republican candidates, voters and hopefuls for cocktails and conversation at Beloit’s Eclipse Center.

Walker hopes to capture the Republican nomination for governor. He is competing with former First District congressman Mark Neumann. During his speech to the crowd he outlined his vision for the state.

“In 2010 we can not only change the governor, we can change this state,” Walker said.

At the top of his to-do list is working to create more jobs and bolster the economy. He also wants to take the focus off government and put it back onto the people. He wants people to “believe in Wisconsin again,” as stated on his campaign signs.

“I am trying to get government back on the side of the people,” Walker said. “I put my faith behind the people.”

Literature distributed by Friends of Scott Walker indicates that Walker, who serves as the elected Milwaukee County executive, has been involved with eight consecutive budgets with no property tax levy increases from the previous year.

He urges undecided voters to look into his background in order to help them make their decisions.

“Actions speak louder than words,” Walker said.

Lonna Marouney, media coordinator of the Republican Party of Rock County, said she was not expecting a large turnout for the annual party event. Normally the night averages somewhere around 120 people, she said.

“We have gotten so much interest,” Marouney said. “We have pulled in a lot of new people.”

Marouney said the event helps all candidates and voters discuss and explore their options. It also gives Rock and Walworth county residents the chance to meet the candidates. Marouney said she hopes those who attended leave with a sense of how far the party has come.

“I hope that they will see the Republican Party in Rock County is growing,” she said.

Some candidates used the event as a way of getting in touch with the public.

Brett Davis is running for lieutenant governor and said he spent some of the night talking with people about their stories, and what they feel to be the important issues.

“I work hard at listening to people first,” Davis said.

Davis has served as a state representative for south central Wisconsin since 2005. He was also a former advisor to Gov. Tommy Thompson. He hopes that he is elected, and he feels his background well suits the position.

“We can’t afford an inexperienced lieutenant governor,” Davis said.

Edward Leineweber was hoping to spread the word about his upcoming primary election on February 16th for the Wisconsin Court of Appeals.

“I want to get my name and my message out,” Leineweber said.

And while he is unsure about what kind of turnout will occur for the primary, Leineweber hopes that his qualifications and background will help him to election. The spring election for the Wisconsin Court of Appeals will be held on April 6.

Many people mingled and passed out literature while display signs decorated nearby walls. People congregated near the bar and jazzy music filled the crowded hall. Tables with silent auctions and framed paintings were frequented by men and women alike.

Other guests included Congressman Paul Ryan, State Sen. Neal Kedzie and Assemblymen Steve Nass and Tom Lothian.

The night was emceed by radio host Brian Schimming.

Marouney said the night was a big success and she was glad so many people turned out.

“This is the biggest one we have had in years,” she said.