Chicago Tribune Editorial: The next Foxconn and Illinois: Here's why Wisconsin will be the state growing more taxpayers

The final reason Foxconn picked Wisconsin over Illinois is the difference-maker: government cooperation and competence. The Journal Sentinel wrote that Gou believed "the responsiveness of the public and private partners in Wisconsin far exceeded those of other states." Gou singled out the cooperation of Gov. Scott Walker, U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and local business groups: "These key people pushed very hard."

A blind proposal, a summons to Washington and a jet trip: Wisconsin's drive to win Foxconn

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker speaks during the July 26, 2017 announcement at the White House in Washington, D.C. about the creation of a Foxconn factory in Wisconsin to build LCD flat screen monitors. 

In other words, Foxconn liked everything about Illinois, but Wisconsin officials convinced Gou they made the best business partners. How could that be? Wisconsin will provide $3 billion in tax benefits over 15 years, but incentives are the norm and Illinois, one of seven finalists, was willing to offer some. National politics could have been a factor, given that Foxconn would benefit from pleasing President Donald Trump, who hopes to win Wisconsin again in 2020. But companies don't make huge investment decisions just to make a president smile.

Here's the takeaway: Foxconn chose the state that has stable government, healthy finances and pro-growth policies for employers. Illinois has none of the above.

Chicago Tribune