McCain held two hour-long panel discussions at Bucyrus International, 1100 Milwaukee Ave., Wednesday. The event, which was closed to the public, was attended by members of the local business, political and academic communities.

"The story that I heard them telling McCain is a pretty similar one to people I've heard in Racine and in southeastern Wisconsin," said Rep. Robin Vos, R-Caledonia. "We need to create an environment where businesses can create jobs and grow our economy in Wisconsin."

Issues as diverse as health care, education, free trade, taxes and energy efficiency were addressed under the umbrella topic of supporting businesses.

"We know that Americans are facing challenges today," McCain said. "I believe it's the responsibility of the government to move quickly and decisively and meet today's economic challenges."

To reduce the financial stress, McCain has proposed a gas tax holiday over the summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, to suspend the 18-cent federal gas tax and 24-cent diesel gas tax.

McCain also proposed a simpler tax code. He said he would give Americans a choice between the existing code and a code with two tax brackets. Those making less than $100,000 would pay about 15 percent, while those making more than $100,000 would pay about 25 percent, with deductions available.

Bob Geason of Burlington, who is a delegate to the Republican National Convention in September, said he was encouraged by McCain's opposition to earmark and pork barrel spending.

"You get everybody pulling in the same direction to the benefit of the taxpayer for a change, instead of special interests," Geason said. "If you want somebody that expects you to have some personal responsibility and wants the government to get out of the way of you living your own life, then John McCain is the obvious choice."

Education concerns

McCain also emphasized the importance of free trade.

"I am convinced that the American worker can compete with any worker in the world," McCain said.

Education was brought up as a central component of a strong workforce by members of the first panel, which included the chief executive officers of the Mortgage Guarantee Investment Corp., Hammes Co., Froedtert & Community Health and the A.O. Smith Corp. and the dean of the University of Wisconsin School of Business.

"I think that one of the great disgraces of America is that in some cases we have a two-tiered system of education," McCain said. "The entire educational system has to be fixed."

McCain said he was proud of the beginning of No Child Left Behind, but that both parties needed to sit down again to adjust it.

Immigration

The country's immigration system also needs adjustment, McCain said. He said security is the first priority, but there has to be room for a talent pool of international workers, and that in January of 2009 he would call Democrats and Republicans together to reform the system.

"The federal government has failed in its responsibility to enact comprehensive immigration reform," McCain said. "I think it's going to have an effect on productivity, innovation, and a number of other areas, and I regret that."

Regulatory issues

The second panel focused on innovation and included the chief executive officers of General Mills, Wisconsin Energy, Bucyrus International, GE Healthcare and Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co.

Panel members said they supported McCain's plan to suspend increases in discretionary spending for programs, except those covering the military and veterans, for one year, to examine whether the money is being used properly. More than 110 federal programs are being funded in Wisconsin, said Jim Haney, the president of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce.

"That just breeds inefficiency," Haney said. "The amount of money that makes its way to the dislocated worker could be put in a thimble, I fear."

The challenges being faced in Wisconsin are reflected in Racine County, Vos said, adding that McCain's policies of creating a regulatory environment that is friendly to start-up businesses and focuses on education would help.

"When you look at the future of Wisconsin I think Racine County is a perfect example of what has to happen," Vos said. "I want to make sure that we have an environment similar to what Sen. McCain reflected, which encourages people to invest right here."

Geason said he respected that McCain was seeking input from local people about the problems they are facing. "It's absolutely just mind-blowing that he would come and spend three hours of his time here to listen and actively engage our leaders in the business industry," Geason said. "It shows that he has an interest. That's why this guy is going to make a good leader of this country. He's paying attention to the people that are doing the work."