Local officials will follow the Green Bay Packers on their trip today to the White House, but will do so on their own dime.

Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt announced last week he would fly to Washington, D.C., to join President Barack Obama in honoring last season's Super Bowl champions. State Sen. Dave Hansen, D-Green Bay, whose 30th Senate District is home to Lambeau Field, said Thursday he would attend the event as well.

Schmitt's Chief of Staff Jennifer Pollitt said mayors from cities across the state were invited. Both Schmitt and Hansen said they would pay their own way.

Hansen was already in the nation's capital Thursday and will return to Wisconsin on Tuesday.

"The White House called last Wednesday and invited me, and I took about 30 seconds to decide and here we are," said Hansen, who will be joined by his brother. "I was born and raised in Green Bay, and it's kind of hard not to be a fan. We're excited. (My) first trip to D.C."

Absent from the list is Gov. Scott Walker. Spokesman Cullen Werwie said Walker's D.C. office received an invite from the White House on Wednesday, but the Republican governor could not make it. Staff in the capital may attend.

"I think the real question is: Will the president wear one of the Packers jerseys presented to him … when he visited the state?" Werwie said. Obama received a pair of autographed Packers jerseys from Schmitt and Walker during a trip to Northeastern Wisconsin earlier this year.

Hansen said Oshkosh Deputy Mayor Jessica King, who defeated state Sen. Randy Hopper, R-Fond du Lac, in a recall election on Tuesday, also plans to make the visit.

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh, and U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble, R-De Pere, received invitations, however, they could not attend because they are working in Wisconsin. Both will send legislative staffers in their places. U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Milwaukee, could not make it either, but will have someone representing him at the event, his staff said.

State Rep. Karl Van Roy, a Green Bay Republican who represents the home of the Packers, said he did not receive an invitation. State Rep. Chad Weininger, also a Green Bay Republican who represents a large chunk of the stadium district, said he didn't think it was his place to attend.

"It's great that they're going to the White House to meet the president. It really helps our area," Weininger said. "It's great the mayor is going because he's been a steward for our city, but for some people it's better to keep politics out of football."

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