Walker gets featured speaker's spot, Neumann to address Saturday dinner

Milwaukee Co. Exec Scott Walker will be one of the featured speakers who address delegates Saturday morning at this weekend's state GOP convention, while former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann says he'll get a chance to talk to them during Saturday night's dinner.

A party spokeswoman said Walker was given the opportunity to address the delegates alongside GOP officials like AG J.B. Van Hollen and U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan because he's an official gubernatorial candidate. In addition to making a statewide announcement this week, Walker has filed papers with the state for his campaign.

Neumann has said he expects to formally announce his bid this fall.

GOP spokeswoman Kirsten Kukowski said Neumann's role at the convention was undefined as of Thursday afternoon.

Neumann told WisPolitics in an e-mail that he'll speak at Saturday evening's dinner and lead the dinner prayer.

Appleton businessman Mark Todd has registered with the Government Accountability Board as a Republican candidate for governor next year. But Kukowski said the party hasn't heard from him.

See a media advisory listing speakers for the convention.

-- By JR Ross