MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Republican Mark Neumann attempted to give his run for governor a reboot on Wednesday, holding an online news conference that he said sets the tone for a technologically savvy campaign.

Neumann, a former two-term U.S. congressman, stressed his experience in the private sector as giving him the edge over rival Scott Walker. But it's Walker, the Milwaukee County executive since 2002, who raised more than $1 million before Neumann even entered the race in July.

Neumann said there was plenty of time for him to raise enough cash to compete with Walker before the September 2010 primary.

"We'll catch Scott," he said.

Neumann, who is also real estate developer and home builder in the Milwaukee area, used his second official campaign kickoff announcement to set the theme of this race being between someone from the private sector against a career politician.

"I am running for governor because our state and nation were built by private citizens who entered public service, but did not make it a lifelong career," Neumann said.

That's clearly a dig at Walker, 41, who has spent most of his adult life in politics. He was elected to the state Assembly in 1993 and served there until 2002 when he was elected as county executive. He worked for three years as a fundraiser for the Red Cross before being elected to the Legislature.

Neumann, 55, served in Congress between 1995 and 1999 and has been out of politics since he narrowly lost against U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold in 1998.

"I honestly believe it's time that we push back to someone from the private sector to lead the state," Neumann said.

Walker's campaign had no immediate comment.

Neumann said effectively using technology, along with creativity and innovation, will allow for streamlining government, reducing taxes and creating jobs. He said he would cap state spending increases across the board at 1 percent below the rate of inflation.

Asked his position on a handful of specific issues, Neumann did not say whether he would support the Menominee Nation locating an off-reservation casino in Kenosha. He also said he did not believe it made economic sense to create a commuter rail line connecting Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee, a move that state and local Democratic leaders have been pushing for years.

Neumann also planned an online town hall meeting Wednesday to discuss his candidacy. He had campaign stops planned across the state including Waukesha, Green Bay, and Schofield.

The governor's race is wide open this year for the first time since 1982. Gov. Jim Doyle, a Democrat, announced last month he wouldn't seek a third term.

Walker and Neumann are the highest profile Republican candidates who have announced their candidacies.

On the Democratic side, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton has announced her intention to run. U.S. Rep. Ron Kind from La Crosse, has been traveling the state and meeting with Democratic insiders to explore a potential bid. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett also is considering a run.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)