Despite the fact the next Wisconsin gubernatorial race is still almost two years away, the names of multiple Republican candidates are already circulating throughout the state.

Thus far, the two men currently slated as possible candidates are Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann, according to officials of the Republican Party of Wisconsin.

Walker ran for Governor in 2006 but eventually dropped out of the race due to lack of funds before deferring his support to Mark Green. Neumann served as a Wisconsin Congressmen from 1995-1999 and lost a 1997 Senate election to Russ Feingold.

Wisconsin Republican Party spokesperson Kristen Kukowski said despite the speculation regarding possible candidates, the party will not officially endorse anyone until after the primaries, allowing Wisconsin voters to voice their opinions.

Kukowski added Gov. Jim Doyle’s leadership actions have made it easier for candidates like Neumann and Walker to consider running against him.

“The governor has run up a record budget deficit so far by his obvious mismanagement of the government,” Kukowski said. “They both (Neumann and Walker) realize that it’s time to make the tough fiscal decisions; we all see eye to eye on that.”

According to a report released Monday, Walker’s campaign has earned more than $400,000 during the second half of 2008.

Presently, neither Doyle nor Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton has announced any plans for a possible 2010 candidacy.

According to Doyle spokesperson Lee Sensenbrenner, the governor is doing the kinds of things to put himself in position for a possible campaign but is concentrating more on the issues the state is currently facing.

During the last half of last year, Doyle raised about $600,000 and has more than $1 million in cash on hand, according to a statement Monday.

The lieutenant governor is also actively campaigning in lieu of a possible 2010 campaign run, but is not giving any definitive answer on her future plans.

“Lawton is working hard and enjoys the privilege of serving as Wisconsin’s lieutenant governor,” said Friends of Barbara Lawton spokesperson Matt Dulak. “She is actively campaigning and raising money to position herself for whatever opportunities present themselves in 2010.”