At Friday’s rally for Wisconsin’s economy in Milwaukee, Tommy Thompson, the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, said he supports Gov. Scott McCallum in the race for Wisconsin’s governor.

Thompson, the older brother of Libertarian candidate Ed Thompson, feels it is important to have a Republican governor.

McCallum was Thompson’s lieutenant governor and running mate. Thompson did not use the word endorse on Friday, but did indicate his support.

“Scott McCallum has the vision, the strength of character and the experience to do what is right for the people of Wisconsin — on the economy, on education and on health care,” Thompson said. “Scott has offered our families a clear, forward-looking agenda that doesn’t place an undue burden on taxpayers.”

Thompson and McCallum entered the room holding hands, and together addressed tax issues and revenue limits on school spending. They also took several shots at Democratic candidate Jim Doyle.

“There is no question about it,” Thompson said. “Jim Doyle will raise your taxes. It’s the same old story: ‘Let us tax, let us spend.'”

Thompson said if Doyle is elected, he will increase the average property tax by $700 per home.

“Just think what we have to lose in Wisconsin. That’s why we can’t afford to have a Democrat in the governor’s house,” Thompson said.

McCallum said he was pleased to have the support of his former running mate.

“I’m honored to have the support of Tommy Thompson,” McCallum said. “The Thompson-McCallum administration ushered in an unprecedented era of prosperity and growth for the people of Wisconsin. And I am more than ready to continue fighting for reforms that empower working families, keep taxes low and create the jobs that make for a vibrant economy and a vibrant state.”

McCallum said he and Thompson worked hard to create revenue caps and that the state cannot afford to raise taxes. He also called for a pocketbook-protection plan.

“Tommy Thompson had a vision. Look at the record,” McCallum said. “Tommy Thompson showed us we can live within our means and build Wisconsin.”

McCallum said his agenda would move the state forward. “The first thing is, don’t raise taxes,” he said.

On the other side of the aisle, Jim Doyle received the support of U.S. senator Herb Kohl. Like Thompson, Kohl stressed the importance of keeping state taxes under control.

“I know that Jim Doyle understands how important it is to grow the economy,” Kohl said. “He knows that the first thing we need to do to encourage economic growth is to hold the line on taxes. Our taxes are the third highest in the country. We need a governor committed to making the tough decisions to reduce spending in order to make Wisconsin competitive. We need a governor who is willing to lead, to set the right priorities and to make sure that tax dollars are only spent on things that matter. Jim Doyle will be that kind of governor.”

Doyle said Kohl has his priorities set straight as a Wisconsin Senator.

“That’s the kind of governor I would like to be — a governor who fights for people, fights for our kids, and fights to fundamentally change the way our state government operates,” Doyle said. “A key part of my plan for this state is to make sure that every one of our kids — no matter where they live or how much money their parents have — has access to a quality education.”

Doyle said education is the key to growth in the state.

“A good education is the key to success in the 21st century. It can unlock the door to opportunity and to a decent life and family-supporting job. That’s not asking too much,” Doyle said.

“I know Jim Doyle will make education his top priority working for smaller class sizes and better training for our teachers,” Kohl said.