Former VP Kamala Harris joins Crowley campaign as candidates intensify final week efforts
WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Both candidates for governor are crisscrossing the state in the last week of the race for governor. That includes former Vice President Kamala Harris coming to the state to campaign with Democratic candidate David Crowley.
The goal is to turn out more voters and increase enthusiasm surrounding the election. Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany recognizes that voter turnout will determine who wins this race. He says despite what people say, his supporters are ready to head to the polls.
Outside the Republican candidate for governor’s campaign stop in Racine Monday were protesters -- a group that has consistently showed up at his events across the state. Tiffany called the protesters misinformed, saying, “We think the race is basically a dead heat at this point, but we think the enthusiasm is on our side, and our arrow is straight up."
Tiffany was joined by down ballot candidates Eric Toney, running for attorney general, and Bryan Steil, running to hold onto his congressional seat in the first district.
Meanwhile, in West Bend, Crowley campaigned alongside Governor Tony Evers, who endorsed him during the primary election.
Crowley said he is focused on building a coalition that extends beyond traditional party lines.
“I’m running as a Democrat, but I am not just running for Democrats. I am not looking to be a governor for just Democrats or just Republicans, I am running to be a governor for everybody,” Crowley said.
Tiffany recognizes turnout is key, especially as voter turnout is typically lower during midterm elections.
“It is turning out those conservative voters. About a 20% dropoff, typically, midterm election from the presidential election; it’s turning out those conservative thinking voters, but we believe we are going to do that,” Tiffany said.
As for Crowley, he has hope his message will have a wide appeal.
“I am running because we have had billionaires, here in the state of Wisconsin and across this country, who have literally been trying to buy elections, yet they can’t invest in our public schools, they can’t invest in childcare, they can’t invest in healthcare, and those are things that are hurting people the most,” Crowley said.
Tom Tiffany took a jab at Crowley, saying Harris coming to Wisconsin shows the county executive's campaign is desperate.
“I mean they are going to every means possible to try and turn voters out because the enthusiasm is just not there for David Crowley,” Tiffany said. “The Francesca Hong voters and others, they are not excited about David Crowley, that’s why Kamala Harris is here.”
Crowley said he welcomes anyone who shares his vision, including the former vice president. He described the visit as surreal and exciting and said he looks forward to working with anyone who shares his vision for Wisconsin.
“As a kid who grew up in the city of Milwaukee running for governor, I never would have thought I would be in this position,” Crowley said. “So, I am excited to have not only her, but anybody who wants to continue to support our campaign to tackle the affordability crisis, to make sure we are lowering costs.”
President Donald Trump has not yet said whether or not he will visit Wisconsin in the last week heading into the midterms. Tiffany said the president is focused on Senate and congressional races, and he is focused on Wisconsin.