A listing of the "best states for business" released by Forbes Magazine showed Wisconsin ranking among the bottom third nationally, with only 12 states having a worse climate for business. The rankings were based on six factors, including business costs, economic climate, growth prospects, labor, quality of life and regulator environment. In response to the Forbes listing, gubernatorial candidate Mark Green issued a news release saying:
"This listing confirms once more what most Wisconsinites have known for a long time -- that our high taxes and excessive regulation are standing in the way of a brighter future for our state.
"Thanks to Gov. Doyle's huge tax increases, deficit spending and refusal to rein in frivolous lawsuits, Wisconsin is falling further and further behind in the race to attract businesses and create good-paying jobs.
"Jim Doyle has had his chance to help Wisconsin move forward, and he has failed to act. He vetoed the property tax freeze, vetoed meaningful litigation reform, and has done absolutely nothing to stop the flight of good jobs from our state.
"I'm running for governor because Jim Doyle is putting up needless barriers to opportunity and economic growth. Whether it's high taxation, frivolous litigation, needless regulation or poor education, elect me governor and we'll tear down these obstacles to prosperity."
