WAUKESHA, Wis. — Wisconsin’s race for governor is heating up as big names from both parties crisscross the state to make a final push for their candidates.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin spent Wednesday stumping for Tim Michels at stops in Waukesha and Green Bay.
If you are wondering why he was in Wisconsin and what it has to do with our election, the short answer is: the Michels campaign wants to do what Youngkin did last year when he won in a blue state.
“He’s done education reform in Virginia,” Michels said. “He has gotten crime down in Virginia. He stands for what I stand for; more money in people’s pockets, reducing crime and safer neighborhoods, and having better educational opportunities for our sons and daughters.”
During his speech, Youngkin told supporters Democrats are “agents of chaos” on issues from crime to border security.
“Republican governors have done a better job full stop and I think every state in America deserves a Republican governor,” Youngkin said.
Michels hopes Youngkin’s 2021 victory in Virginia can be a sort of blueprint for winning Wisconsin next month.
“I think it’s a great indicator of the future of politics in the United States,” Michels said. “Are we going to elect a businessman, an outsider, someone who has real-life experiences and can take that to Madison and apply that to government? Or a failed Tony Evers who has been in education and government his entire life?”
Whether it is knocking doors, making phone calls, or putting up a yard sign, Youngkin called on supporters to do whatever they can to lend a hand in the final days of the campaign.
“Everybody knows that the importance of the governorship in Wisconsin speaks across the nation,” Youngkin said. “This state has flipped back and forth and it’s time for Wisconsin to have a Republican governor. We’re doing everything we can to help Tim get over the line, but I’m telling you, the people that are going to get him over the line are right back here.”
Meanwhile, Democrats posted up outside of the Waukesha rally and portrayed Michels and Youngkin as East Coast politicians who they feel are out of touch with Wisconsinites.
From Sen. Elizabeth Warren to Pete Buttigieg, Democrats have also brought in plenty of big names from within their party to stump in the Badger State. The biggest of them, former President Barack Obama, will be in Milwaukee on Saturday for a rally.