Posted Wednesday, February 6, 2013 --- 12:31 p.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Gov. Scott Walker says he won't be proposing eliminating the income tax in favor of a steep sales tax hike.

Walker commented on the tax shift Wednesday after being asked to respond to comments made by his Department of Administration Secretary Mike Huebsch.

On Tuesday, Huebsch told the Wisconsin Counties Association at its annual meeting that Walker was taking a look at eliminating the income tax and increasing the sales tax to make up the difference. Huebsch referenced similar moves being made in other states.

But Walker says he's open to having a broader discussion about tax policy later, but not in the budget he will introduce on Feb. 20.

Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Mike Tate says a sales tax increase would be an attack on the middle class.

Copyright 2013: Associated Press