Republican Mark Neumann enters Wisconsin race for governor

July 3, 2:58 PMMadison Political Buzz ExaminerPeggy Williams

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Republican Mark Neumann

Republican Mark Neumann, a former U.S. Representative, has announced his bid for the governor’s spot in the 2010 Wisconsin race against current Governor Jim Doyle. He is expected to be the main contender against Scott Walker, the Milwaukee County Executive, in the Republican primary. Walker announced his own bid at the end of April.

“Wisconsin finds itself at a crossroads because of the policies and spending of the Doyle administration over the last seven years,” said Neumann in a press release. “I’m running for Governor because I believe the state’s best years are ahead of us and I want to provide a positive vision for the future of our state.”

The 55 year old Neumann was a congressman representing the state’s 1st District for two terms, from 1995 to 1999. He ran a close but unsuccessful campaign to replace Russ Feingold as the state’s Senator in 1998.

Neumann has stated that his top priority as governor would be to make Wisconsin competitive in the global job market. He believes that state government must reduce taxes by cutting spending.

“We all know the need to put Wisconsin back to work, and over the next few months I look forward to this discussion with all Wisconsinites,” said Neumann. “We face many challenges in Wisconsin to get us back on track. The cornerstone of my campaign will be sensible policies that address our tax climate, business community and educational opportunities.

Neumann resides in Waukesha County and owns a home-building company. He is co-chairman of a non-profit organization that runs three Christian choice schools in Milwaukee and one public charter school in Arizona.

“It has been over 50 years since Wisconsin has experienced job losses like we have seen in the past 12 months,” Neumann added. “I am a small business owner who understands job creation drives our economy, and I’m running to attract jobs back to Wisconsin.”

Others who are planning to run in the Republican primary for Wisconsin governor are Appleton businessman Mark Todd and Bill Ingram, a retired University of Wisconsin Police Sergeant who currently works as an over-the-road truck driver.

Incumbent Governor Jim Doyle - a Democrat - has not yet formally announced whether he will run for re-election to a third term, but it is widely expected that he will.

The primary will be held in September of 2010, and the general election will be held November 2 of that same year.  

For more info: 

• Wisconsin Republican convention looks ahead to 2010 governors race
• Wisconsin Republican Party