Former congressman Mark Neumann promised to hold the line on government spending if elected governor when he formally announced his candidacy for the 2010 gubernatorial primary Wednesday.
Neumann spoke with reporters through an online news conference and hosted a live town hall meeting to highlight his views on taxation and education while talking directly with Wisconsin citizens about their concerns.
He said he aimed to create a campaign that is ""accessible like no other campaign in the history of Wisconsin"" and emphasized the importance of using technological means to bring the state together.
Neumann said his top priorities include creating and retaining jobs in Wisconsin, reforming the current tax structure and developing a world-class education system. He said he opposes government takeover of health care and would support rolling back tax increases on cigarettes.
Mike Tate, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, was not impressed by Neumann's use of interactive campaign methods and called Neumann ""out-of-touch.""
""Mark Neumann's record of extremism speaks for itself, and no amount of technology or creativity can cover up his extreme right-wing views and anti-consumer business practices,"" he said in a statement.
Amy Pelishek, aid to Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton's campaign, said Lawton is looking forward to the campaign season.
""Lt. Gov. Lawton welcomes Mr. Neumann to the race and looks forward to a good spirited campaign and the best ideas for Wisconsin's economic recovery,"" Pelishek said.
Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, a contender for the Republican nomination, released a statement Wednesday that did not mention Neumann's announcement.
""Our campaign is a discussion with voters who care about our state, care about getting our economy back on track and care about getting Wisconsin working again. This will continue to be my focus through next November,"" Walker said.
Neumann will host several radio town hall meetings across Wisconsin throughout the rest of the week.
