Walker: Not trying to poach Illinois companies

CHICAGO (AP) -- Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says he's not looking to "poach" businesses from Illinois--taking a softer approach different from what he took last year, when he invited disgruntled businesses in Illinois to come to Wisconsin in lieu of Illinois raising personal and corporate taxes.

At a news conference following a Monday speech in downtown Chicago, Walker said he would like Chicago-area companies looking to expand to look at Wisconsin as an option for them.

In 2011, Walker called on Illinois companies to "Escape to Wisconsin" and that they were welcome in his state.

The governor says he had a good working relationship with former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and would like to establish a similar relationship with current Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

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