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Wisconsin exit polls help show how races went blue

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Wisconsin voters might be wondering how state races panned out the way they did this Midterm Election.  

National Exit Poll Data conducted by Edison Research gives us some insight into those numbers.  

In the race for governor young voters, new voters and Independents helped Tony Evers take the seat from incumbent Scott Walker. 

60% of those surveyed aged 18-29 said they voted for Evers.  As for the 12% of first-time voters in a Midterm Election, 52% chose Evers compared to 47% for Walker. 

Of those who identify as Independent or something other than Republican or Democrat 52% said they voted for Evers, which is a 9 point drop for Walker in 2014.  

A surprising number to UWM Professor of Urban Planning Mordecai Lee is a former member of the Wisconsin State Assembly and Wisconsin State Senate. 

"Now why that is I'm not sure.  It could be that Wisconsinites saw what his views were on social issues when he ran for president that was different than the Governor when he said all he cared about was jobs," said Lee.

Ever also took the moderate vote, according to exit poll data. 

Wisconsin voters were asked to choose the most important issue facing our country.  46% chose healthcare over the economy (23%), immigration (20%) and gun policy (7%).  Of those who picked healthcare, 73% voted for Evers. 

"In politics, there never is a one single reason why somebody wins or loses an election.  It's like a layer cake there are lots of explanations, lots of layers, but if you force me to say why did Governor Walker lose I'd say it was healthcare and pre-existing conditions," said Lee. 

In the race for U.S. Senate women and Independents helped incumbent Tammy Baldwin keep her seat. Of the females surveyed 61% voted for Baldwin compared to 38% for Leah Vukmir.  

Of those voters who identify as Independent or something other than Republican or Democrat, 59% chose Baldwin.  Lee said these numbers show the Senators power to connect with voters. 

"It's possible that she's the most underappreciated politician in Wisconsin today in terms of her vote-getting ability...It's Baldwin who's shattering the stereotype.  Baldwin who's saying I'm as attractive to male voters as I am to female voters," said Lee.

Edison Research said Baldwin carried 14% of Trump voters from 2016.