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MILWAUKEE — Wisconsin Democrats running for governor promised to take federal Medicaid expansion money if they defeat Gov. Scott Walker next year, presenting a unified front Monday as the crowded field of candidates gathered at their first forum.

The candidates’ remarks were well-received by the audience: the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans. Walker has repeatedly rejected Medicaid expansion dollars.

“Is there anybody here in favor of Medicaid expansion?” asked candidate Andy Gronik, a Milwaukee businessman, prompting the crowd to wave their “I support expanding Medicaid” signs. “Me too,” Gronik said.

At least 18 Democrats have declared an intention to run for governor or are considering it, but there is no clear front-runner. The nearly dozen candidates who attended the luncheon at Milwaukee’s Italian Community Center had only about two minutes each to speak.

Walker told reporters later Monday that accepting the federal Medicaid money, and rolling back the Act 10 collective bargaining law that many Democratic candidates are also pushing, would put the state in an economic recession.