Walker kicks off Wis. GOP convention

AP Modified

Updated: May 11, 2012 6:33 PM

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Embattled Gov. Scott Walker says Republicans gathering for the annual state convention this weekend in Green Bay should be focused on ensuring he and five other Republicans survive June 5 recall elections.

He spoke Friday at a news conference before attending a scheduled three-hour meet and greet with an estimated 1,000 supporters. That event was closed to press.

Walker says the one unifier for people at the convention will be ensuring he and the others win the recalls. Walker faces Democratic Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.

Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and three GOP state senators also face recall. A fourth senator resigned rather than stand for election and that seat will be determined June 5 as well.

Walker and a host of other Republican office holders are scheduled to speak Saturday.

Next month, the Democratic Party will host its annual convention in Appleton.

FOX 11 spoke to party officials Friday afternoon. They say the governor has divided this state.

"He's done everything he can do to divide neighbor against neighbor," said Wisconsin Democratic Party spokesperson Graeme Zielinski. "He's not uniting this state, he's dividing it in a way that has take the focus off jobs, we lead the nation in job loss and he's done it in a way that's taken focus off integrity in government."

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