Let's try this again. This actually might make for an interesting story, especially given the state of the economy.

 State Senator Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan) is calling out Jim Doyle for his failure to step up more aggressively to save nearly 300 manufacturing jobs at Thomas Industries. This is from his weekly newsletter. Feel free to followup with the gov.

I am also extremely disappointed and frustrated with the lack of personal focus and leadership that Governor Doyle offered in an effort to save these jobs.  Immediately after meeting with Thomas’ Sheboygan management team on February 2, I personally contacted the Governor’s Office and encouraged the Governor to become personally involved.  My first request was that the Governor would quickly contact the key individuals at Thomas to express our appreciation for their 70+ year investment in Wisconsin and to offer his direct assistance.  Regrettably, the Governor chose not to contact anyone at Thomas until February 20, eighteen days later.

My second request of the Governor was that he, or a high-ranking member of his administration, personally visit with Thomas’ Sheboygan management team to present our state/local incentive package.  After failing to receive a commitment from the Governor’s Office, we scheduled our meeting with Thomas on February 25, just two days before their deadline.  Unfortunately, Governor Doyle was unable to attend because he was in Spain reviewing their train system.  The highest ranking administrative official at this important meeting with Thomas was a bureaucrat from the Department of Commerce.

My requests for Governor Doyle’s personal involvement were based in part because of our knowledge of Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal’s personal involvement with their state’s effort to attract Thomas to grow there.  I do not think it is wrong to criticize Governor Doyle, the leader of our state, for the fact that, during the ten-week negotiation process, he only made one phone call to Gardner Denver.

Unfortunately, these factors, and certainly others, led to the devastating decision by Gardner Denver to move 366 jobs south instead of moving 40 jobs north.