Billboard mocks Walker’s stance on high-speed rail

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin paid for this ad on I-94 east of Highway 100 in Milwaukee. (Staff photo by Kevin Harnack)

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Democratic Party of Wisconsin has put up a billboard mocking Gov.-elect Scott Walker for his opposition to high-speed rail.

The Milwaukee billboard has a picture of the Republican along with the lines, “Dear Scott Walker, Thanks for the money & jobs! Love, Illinois.”

The message refers to efforts by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn to persuade train maker Talgo Inc. to move its Milwaukee plant to Illinois.

Walker has opposed the high-speed rail project, which would link Madison and Milwaukee. He said the state could get stuck paying the maintenance costs.

State Democratic Party chair Mike Tate said Walker’s opposition would send jobs and money out of the state.

Walker’s office did not immediately return a message Monday.