Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Reince Priebus said Mayor Barrett has his work cut out for him in convincing voters he won’t push for the same failed policies of the Doyle administration.

“Not everybody can boast a record that includes votes for both the largest tax hike in Wisconsin history as a legislator and the largest tax hike in American history as a Congressman, but that’s what Tom Barrett brings to the table,” said Priebus.  “Higher Taxes, Fewer Jobs.  Tom Barrett.”

Barrett has raised taxes and fees in every budget he’s introduced since becoming mayor, including this year’s 4.4% hike in the depths of a recession.

Not only will voters have cause for concern over Barrett’s record of higher taxes, but his actions suggest Barrett simply lacks the will to aggressively lead Wisconsin forward in tough economic times.  Recent reports have suggested Barrett would prefer to work from Milwaukee much of the time if he were elected governor.

“Over the past several weeks, it’s become obvious to even the most objective observers that Mayor Barrett would rather stay in Milwaukee, and preferably not as governor,” Priebus said.  “Wisconsin deserves a governor who wants to lead this state back to prosperity and is willing to do what it takes to get us there.”

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