Barrett and Walker to speak at Business Day in Madison

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, a Democrat, and Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, a Republican, will address nearly 1,000 business executives at Business Day in Madison on Tuesday, Feb. 23.
The two candidates are running for governor to succeed Democrat Gov. Jim Doyle, who is not seeking re-election.
The candidates will speak at 3 p.m.
Former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann, a Republican governor candidate, was invited to speak, but will be unable to attend. 
“We are honored to be able to host two of the major candidates for governor at Business Day in Madison,” said James Haney, president of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC).
Business Day in Madison is hosted by 15 business groups, and more than 60 local chambers of commerce. It is the largest event of its kind in the state, annually attracting up to 1,000 business executives.
“Our business climate is in tough shape, and the candidates need to hear from the business community about competitiveness,” Haney said.  “We need to partner with the next governor to restore Wisconsin’s competitiveness, and we look forward to their remarks.”
Business Day in Madison also will feature some bipartisan sparring as the only two women ever to serve as presidential press secretaries take the stage during the noon luncheon. Dee Dee Myers of the Clinton administration, and Dana Perino of the Bush administration will provide commentary on the state of the nation and share insights into the upcoming mid-term elections.
Political prognosticator Charlie Cook will open the day at 9 a.m. with an analysis of the future of American politics.
A health care reform panel discussion will feature Mary Grealy, president of the Health Care Leadership Council; Wisconsin Health Services Secretary Karen Timberlake; and John Torinus, chairman, Serigraph, Inc.
Business Day in Madison will be emceed by University of Wisconsin journalism professor James Baughman and will be held at the Monona Terrace Convention Center. For additional information, visit here.