As the state Dem Party is ramping up its annual convention in Green Bay, Chair Ben Wikler despite recent victories, says Dems aren’t taking anything for granted when it comes to the U.S. Senate race.
This year’s “Working Hard For Wisconsin” theme draws on volunteer and elected Dem leaders’ hard work, Wikler told reporters today. Dem Party spokesperson Joe Oslund separately told WisPolitics there are more than 1,000 attendees this year. He said the party would report exact attendance during the convention session.
Wikler said Dems are preparing for a tight margin in U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin’s race for reelection.
“This is Wisconsin, home of the nailbiter, so even though the wind is blowing in our direction, I think every Democrat at this convention is determined to take nothing for granted,” Wikler said.
U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Allouez, who national Republicans pushed to run against the Madison Dem, this week said he won’t be a candidate. Those weighing a bid include businessman Scott Mayer, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Minocqua, and former Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke.
Groups such as Contest Every Race, Citizen Action, Wisconsin Education Association Council and various county parties lined the halls with vendor tables promoting their favorite candidates and causes from around Wisconsin and the rest of the nation.
Gov. Tony Evers will be serving the Dem guv’s beloved dessert, ice cream. His hospitality suite will be in the main lobby of the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center where the convention is being held.
Those with hospitality suites elsewhere at the event also includes:
*Baldwin, whose suite will have a “Tailgate Tammy” theme;
*Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez;
*Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich;
*Attorney General Josh Kaul;
*Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski;
*Power to the Polls;
*The Asian American Pacific Islander Caucus;
*The Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee; and
*Senate Democratic Campaign Committee.
Tomorrow’s hospitality suites include a Coalitions Café for coalitions within the party and former Dem U.S. Senate candidate Alex Lasry, who is running to be a Democratic National Committee representative.
