WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/06/08) - A former Wisconsin Governor and the current Governor of Wisconsin have chosen sides in the battle toward the November presidential election fast approaching. U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign has announced that Tommy Thompson, former Governor of Wisconsin and Secretary of Health and Human Services, has endorsed John McCain for president. Current Governor Jim Doyle has endorsed and has been supporting Barack Obama on the Democratic side of the aisle. Doyle has announced several Obama campaign stops in Wisconsin leading up to the February 19th Wisconsin presidential primary.

"Today, I am proud to announce my endorsement of John McCain for president," said former Governor Thompson. "John McCain has a lifetime of service to our country, and he is the leader best prepared to serve as commander in chief from day one. His conservative record and personal leadership qualities give us the best chance of defeating the Democrats in November."

John McCain thanked Governor Thompson for his support, saying, "I admire Tommy for his service to our country and his leadership in the Republican Party. He is a dedicated public servant and, I am honored to have his support."

Thompson was born in Elroy, Wisconsin. He is a former Captain in the United States Army and Army Reserve. His political career began in 1966 when he was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly, after earning his law degree at the University of Wisconsin Law School.

In 1973 Tommy Thompson was elected assistant Assembly minority leader and, in 1981, he was elected to serve as Assembly minority leader. He is married with three adult children. Governor Thompson served Wisconsin for an unprecedented four terms as Governor from 1987 to 2001. Governor Thompson served as the 7th U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2001 to 2005.

Building on the growing momentum behind Senator Barack Obama’s campaign, Governor Jim Doyle was scheduled to launch a post-February 5th drive across the state to rally Obama supporters, reach out to undecideds, and organize for Wisconsin’s upcoming primary.

Today (February 6th), and Thursday (February 7th), Doyle was scheduled to hold events on Obama's behalf in Green Bay, Oshkosh, Eau Claire and La Crosse and was set to focus on what has been called Senator Obama’s commitment to bringing about the kind of change all Americans can believe in – from ending the war in Iraq to passing universal health care to making college affordable.

Obama campaign spokesperson Dan Leistikow says the events that were set for today (February 6th) in Green Bay and Oshkosh have been canceled or postponed.

Leistikow works out of Madison, Wisconsin. He says the Obama events scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday, February 7th) are still on as of today.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH, 2008 EVENTS

4:00 PM:
Governor Doyle to hold “Change We Can Believe In” organizing event
Chippewa Valley Technical College
620 W. Clairemont Ave
Eau Claire

7:00 PM:
Governor Doyle to hold “Change We Can Believe In” organizing event
Cleary Alumni and Friends Center
UW-La Crosse
La Crosse