CHICAGO – Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says he's not looking to "poach" businesses from Illinois – an apparent softening of the stance he took last year when he greeted news that Illinois was raising personal and corporate taxes by inviting disgruntled businesses to come to his state.

At a news conference following a Monday speech in downtown Chicago, Walker said he would like Chicago-area companies looking to expand to take a look at Wisconsin.

In 2011, Walker called on Illinois companies to "Escape to Wisconsin" and that they were welcome in his state.