MADISON, Wis. — The start of the Republican National Convention (RNC) is just days away. Communities across the state have been preparing for the big event for many months. 

What You Need To Know

  • About an hour and a half away from Milwaukee, Dane County GOP leaders are getting ready for what they say is a once in a lifetime event

  • The Dane County GOP is planning on sending delegates and volunteers to the event

  • One volunteer said she is looking foward to making connections and bringing a focus to Dane County

  • Staff hope having the spotlight on Wisconsin during this event could bring more voters out to the polls

About an hour and a half away from Milwaukee, Dane County GOP leaders are getting ready for what they say is a once-in-a-lifetime event.

That includes Kim Smith. Smith is the events chair for the county’s Republican Party.

“I was surprised, actually, that it was going to be here, but it makes sense, because Wisconsin is such an important state for this next election. So, I shouldn’t be surprised, or I shouldn’t have been surprised,” she said.

Smith got involved with the Republican Party about two years ago. She said she took things one step further when she heard the RNC was coming to Milwaukee by volunteering for the event.

“I’m looking forward to making the connections and bringing a focus and attention to Dane County to help people feel less apathetic because I think they haven’t been seen or they feel like they haven’t been seen,” Smith said.

The staff at the Republican Party of Dane County knows how critical an event like this is.

Party Chairman Brandon Maly said Wisconsin could play a critical role in the November election.

“Wisconsin is going to be one of the states that decides the election nationally and we appreciate the fact that even though we’re in Madison and in Dane County, with the convention being in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is just going to get so much more attention in July,” Maly said.

He said having Wisconsin in the spotlight could play a big role in getting more voters out to the polls.

“There are a lot of Republican votes that just don’t turn out election after election,” Maly said. “Not enough Republican infrastructure has gone into Madison historically.”

For Smith, there’s a lot of work that goes into volunteering for something like the RNC. She said that includes arranging child care and making the hour and a half commute to Milwaukee.

She said it’s worth it to know she’ll be making connections and making a difference.

“We want to just feel like we’re part of something bigger to actually accomplish something instead of just maybe complaining or being inactive,” Smith said. “I think it really helps us to feel successful and motivated to continue on.”

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