Milwaukee area businessman Andy Gronik is running for governor as a Democrat.
?
The political newcomer jumped into the race on Tuesday. Gronik told TODAY’S TMJ4's Charles Benson why he wants the job.
"What's happening right now is, we are not creating good jobs," he said.
Gronik says he supports restoring collective bargaining rights for public employees and believes public education should be a priority over expanding private school vouchers.
?
The 60-year-old says his private sector experience is in sharp contrast with Gov. Scott Walker's long career in public office. He calls himself a "progressive businessperson."
?
"The lack of actually creating good jobs, the fact that we are taking our school system apart and attacking our teachers and now our residents are at risk of losing dependable - affordable source of health care - completely unacceptable," Gronik said.
Gronik says he voted for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders in last year's Wisconsin presidential primary. The Democratic primary for governor is expected to a crowded field in August of 2018.
Walker is gearing up for his re-election bid in 2018. His campaign is reporting that it raised $3.5 million in the first six months of the year and has $2.4 million cash on hand.
?
The Republican Governors Association issued a statement saying "... Governor Scott Walker has achieved meaningful reform for the people of Wisconsin, including guiding the state to its lowest unemployment rate in 17 years..."
