Candidates on both the Democratic and Republican presidential tickets are stumping in Wisconsin Friday.
Democratic, Vice Presidential nominee Tim Kaine will speak with supporters in Milwaukee at Lakefront Brewery.
Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump, and his running mate Mike Pence, will campaign in Green Bay tonight.
Lilly Goren, a professor of political science at Carroll University, said it’s fair to assume the visits indicate both parties believe the Badger State remains in play this November.
She said both tickets are likely campaigning here in an effort to boost turnout among their respective parties, rather than for the purpose of trying to sway undecided voters.
“It’s not necessarily about targeting undecided voters,” Goren said. “There are some of them out there, but it’s really about energizing your base.”
She also said it’s likely some of the public is burned out on politics, and has started to tune out the coverage the presidential race is generating.
“It’s everywhere,” Goren said, “especially with social media.”
Sean Gregory is on the fence about who to vote for, because he said he doesn’t like either candidate.
“I’m disappointed by the rhetoric,” he said.
Gregory said he thinks visits like Friday’s would be much more valuable if the candidates took questions from the public.
“If they would actually listen to the concerns and needs of the people of Wisconsin, I think that would have an impact,” Gregory said.
Fred Eckman, a regular voter, said he’s not likely to be swayed by any of the visits to the Badger State he expects to see in the coming months.
“What they say has an impact on my vote. But it’s not necessary that I see them here in Wisconsin,” Eckman said.
Gregory’s not sure he’ll vote come November.
“I might be sitting this one out,” Gregory said.
Others, like Jane Leland, said they lack enthusiasm for the election.
“I know I’ll vote, but I’m not happy about having to vote this year,” Leland said.
