Locals speculate Romney's trip through Wisconsin could include Janesville

Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney is scheduled to travel through Wisconsin next week, leaving many speculating he could come through Rock County.

Romney, who is expected to challenge President Barack Obama in November, is crisscrossing the nation to rally support for his candidacy. His trip to Wisconsin is part of a larger sweep through the Midwest.

Listeners at WCLO Radio are buzzing about the news that Romney is coming to Janesville. However, those reports are just rumors right now.

Tim Bremel, host of the program "Your Talk Show," said the Janesville's troubled economy continues to top the list of concerns for area residents.

In 2008, the city's General Motors plant served as a presidential campaign stop for then-U.S. Sen. Obama. Now, some speculate that empty shell could become the battlefield on the road to the White House.

"For a time, we lived with the highest unemployment in the state and if he wanted to attribute that to the policies of the current administration, there'd probably be no better place to do it then here," Bremel said.

VIDEO

David Vaughn, a former auto worker and vice president of Local UAW 95, said area families need hope.

"I think it would hurt him if he went down in front of a plant that's closed unless he has plans to open it," Vaughn said. "We need jobs, (we're) concerned about Medicare, Medicaid. For people who are too old to go back to work and they need help,. I'd like to hear that he is here to help."

Bremel said that the area needs new energy to turn the county around.

"In the county, we've advanced beyond the belief that's ever going to be anything other than an old, outdated plant. It's going to have to be new innovations that come to this county that really move us forward again," he said.

Romney's campaign has yet to confirm the time and location of his visit to Wisconsin, but it's expected to occur on Monday. He also has a stop planned in Iowa.