By Wisconsin Reporter

MADISON — A liberal group working to oust Gov. Scott Walker plans to take to the skies Saturday afternoon, making the epic football battle between the University of  Wisconsin Badgers and University of Nebraska Cornhuskers political, according to an email obtained by Wisconsin Reporter.

One Wisconsin Now, a Madison-based nonprofit leading the recall charge against Walker, said it will fly a banner advertising its website, RecallScottWalker.org. The banner includes a heart —  symbolic of the heart-shaped balloons seen at Capitol protests  —  followed by One WI Now.

Cullen Werwie, a spokesman for the governor, wasn’t playing that game. He had no comment about the group’s marketing plans, essentially saying Wisconsin needs to keep its eye on the ball this weekend —  the football and baseball.

In the email, titled “Hey Governor Walker … It’s a bird … it’s a plane,” Scot Ross, executive director of One Wisconsin Now writes:

“Yep, we understand Gov. Scott Walker will be sitting nice and snug in a private box for Saturday’s football game between the mighty Wisconsin Badgers and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. And for several hours preceding the gridiron match-up, Gov. Walker will be treated to a plane flying overhead featuring a special message from One Wisconsin Now.”

The email includes links to the message and seeks donations to pay for the cost.

The group, bitterly opposed to the budget and collective-bargaining reforms led by Walker and GOP leadership, asserts the cost to rent the plane from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. is about $1,600.

“Considering the all-out assault Gov. Walker has made against public education, our proud university and technical college system and our teachers and educators, you’d think he wouldn’t have the audacity to show his face anywhere near a public institution of higher learning,” Ross wrote in the email.

“Help us wipe the smirk off his face by providing him another reminder of how united Wisconsin is against his attacks on the middle class and his limitless handouts to corporations and support for crony capitalism,” the email states.

One Wisconsin Now did not immediately return a call to Wisconsin Reporter seeking comment.

Werwie had no comment on the organization’s plans. He did suggest Wisconsin’s favorite sports teams will draw bipartisan support.

“We look forward to the state coming together to cheer on the Badgers, (NFL Green Bay) Packers and (MLB Milwaukee) Brewers this weekend. It will be a great showcase this weekend for Wisconsin on the national sports stage,” Werwie told Wisconsin Reporter in an email statement.

Asked whether he had any comment about what some may see as an attack on the governor to a captive audience that didn’t come for politics, but football, Werwie responded, via email: “No, it’ll be a great sports weekend.”

ESPN College Gameday is here for the matchup, pitting two of the best teams in the college football against each other. The Packers play at home against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, and the National League Central Division Champion Milwaukee Brewers play in the first round of the playoffs this weekend.