Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker ‘not here to poach’ Illinois companies

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker ‘not here to poach’ Illinois companies

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Republican Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker said he wants to improve his relationships with lawmakers, including Democratic Illinois Governor Pat Quinn.

Walker has a history of verbally sparring with Quinn on political issues, and both governors have encouraged businesses to relocate from one state to the other.

Walker spoke in Chicago Monday saying job growth and pension reform would benefit both states.

“I’m not here to poach businesses,” he said. “Long term it’s in our best interest in Wisconsin to have a strong Illinois, particularly a strong Chicago.”

Walker’s more conciliatory tone comes just weeks after he survived a Wisconsin recall effort.