LA CROSSE, Wisconsin (WXOW) – With one week to go until primary day, a pair of contenders for the Republican senate nomination campaigned in La Crosse Tuesday.
Former Governor Tommy Thompson, joined by one-time Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, held a press conference outside of the Logistics Health complex.
Gingrich endorsed Thompson for the seat, and said the latter was instrumental to jump starting the GOP's welfare reforms across the country during his time as Governor of Wisconsin.
Gingrich also said Thompson is a candidate not opposed to compromising, and cited his work with Milwaukee Democrats on education legislation.
"I'm hoping the people of Wisconsin will decide to pick somebody who has actually been their leader, represented them, lived here in the state and understands their problems," Gingrich said.
"(Thompson) has also proven he can work in a bipartisan way," Gingrich said.
Thompson said his four terms as Governor make him both the best candidate in the race and the most recognizable.
"It's an amazing thing – the popularity and friendship I have with the people of the state of Wisconsin," Thompson said. "It goes back many years."
"I've earned their trust and respect, and that's why I think on Election Day, they're going to come out and I believe very confidently we're going to win this primary."
Also in La Crosse today was former congressman Mark Neumann, who stopped at Copeland Park on tour with the national "Tea Party Express" group.
The Tea Party Express has endorsed Neumann for the seat.
Neumann said he has a plan to balance the federal budget through cutting of 150 government programs, and also has devised a way to pay off the U.S. Government's debts over a 30 year period.
Neumann said those plans, which can be viewed here: www.neumann2012.com make him the most fiscally conservative candidate in this race.
"I have 30 years in the private sector creating jobs, but I've also been in Congress before that when we had a financial mess much like today's," Neumann said.
"But we got the budget balanced, we cut taxes, and our economy was restored. So I have done this before."
Also on next Tuesday's Republican ballot will be businessman Eric Hovde and Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald.
The winner will face Democratic Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin in November.
