Wis. gov. says state has 'Christmas tree'

MADISON, Wis., Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker raised the ire of activists by declaring the tree in the Capitol Rotunda will again be known as a "Christmas tree," observers said.

Walker spokesman Cullen Werwie said the Republican governor wants the tree, which will go up later this month and remain in place until early January, to be referred to as a "Christmas tree" and not a "holiday tree," which was the name given to it by legislators in 1985, WTAQ Radio, Green Bay, Wis., reported Tuesday.

The Freedom from Religion Foundation in Madison said it was disappointed in the governor's decision.

Foundation President Annie Laurie Gaylor described Walker's stance as rude and insensitive to non-Christians.