Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro delivered a speech in Wisconsin on September 21, 2024.
In both counties, the majority of voters elected former President Donald Trump in the last two presidential elections. However, they also supported Baldwin with a significant margin of over 10 points in 2018.
The night before setting off on the rural Wisconsin tour, Baldwin addressed a jubilant crowd of 10,000 people at the Dane County Coliseum. Sharing the stage with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, the event took place in deep-blue Madison, where the coliseum is a popular venue for rock concerts.
Since both population growth and voter turnout are incredibly high in Dane County, Democrats are placing a strong emphasis on the area as crucial to winning elections in this closely-divided swing state. However, like Shapiro, who successfully reached out to rural voters in Pennsylvania, Baldwin also makes it a priority to campaign in rural and suburban areas that typically lean Republican.
Lafayette, located in Wisconsin, stands out as one of the state’s most rural counties. Remarkably, it is one of only two counties in Wisconsin that lacks a traffic light, as noted by U.S. Representative Mark Pocan, a Democrat who represents the area in Congress. In the 2016 presidential election, Lafayette voters favored Trump by a margin of 9 percentage points. This support grew even stronger in 2020, with Trump securing a lead of 13.7 points. However, in the 2018 election, Senator Baldwin managed to win the county by a significant margin of 10.6 points.
“It truly feels like home,” expressed Shapiro to the Examiner as he stood outside a large, rustic barn at the Iowa and Lafayette County Democrats’ picnic. “There is a distinct sensibility and a shared desire among the people I have encountered to foster collaboration among elected officials in order to accomplish tangible results,” he added.
During his speech endorsing Baldwin’s 2024 reelection bid, Shapiro emphasized the importance of getting things done. He highlighted Baldwin’s accomplishments in securing agriculture innovation grants, expanding rural broadband, and improving access to healthcare.
During her speech at the county picnic, Baldwin highlighted specific achievements. She shared an anecdote about a meeting she had with executives from several medical device companies. Baldwin mentioned how she managed to “shame” these executives into agreeing to limit the price of inhalers to $35 per month. This decision was prompted by the stories she heard from her constituents who were burdened with exorbitant monthly expenses to manage their asthma.
Shapiro and Baldwin, although labeling themselves as pragmatists, were also advocates of progressive values. They strongly criticized Republican “extremism” and expressed concerns about threats to democracy. Additionally, they made a commitment to fight for the restoration of abortion rights in the event of Roe v. Wade being overturned.
Baldwin raised concerns about the potential consequences of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision. She highlighted the fact that this decision not only impacts the precedent set by Roe v. Wade but also jeopardizes other important rulings, such as those protecting access to contraception, as well as interracial and same-sex marriage. Baldwin shared her experience of facing skepticism from journalists who doubted her ability to garner enough Republican support for the Respect for Marriage Act, which aimed to establish federal recognition of same-sex and interracial marriages.
During her address to the rural Democrats, she confidently declared, “Just you watch.” She expressed her belief that a significant number of her Republican colleagues would have a loved one adversely affected if same-sex marriage were to be overturned. Ultimately, she managed to rally the support of 12 Republicans, in addition to all 50 Democrats in the Senate, resulting in the successful passage of the bill.
“I don’t have 60 votes yet, but I do have a plan,” she told her rural constituents. “That plan requires all of you to work extremely hard to ensure my reelection to the United States Senate.”
According to Nancy Fisker, the Democratic Party Chair, Democrats in Lafayette County are putting in more effort than ever before. Fisker mentioned that the group has seen a significant increase in membership over the past year and a half, thanks to the opening of a new office with assistance from the state party. Ben Wikler, the chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, also delivered a passionate speech at the picnic. Wikler, who is known for his impressive fundraising abilities, has played a key role in establishing new Democratic Party offices across the state.
According to Fisker, many residents in the county are hesitant to display yard signs or openly declare their affiliation with the Democratic party. She emphasizes the need to be mindful of this situation and avoid imposing their political agenda on individuals who are not receptive to it. Fisker explains that they take precautions even when organizing meetings at local restaurants in Darlington, as they make sure to speak with the owner beforehand to avoid any potential backlash or eviction. The issue is a serious one that requires careful consideration.
This year, county volunteers have made significant progress by putting up more yard signs following persistent efforts. Furthermore, the opening of the new party office has also led to some achievements, as stated by Fisker. Notably, Lafayette County demonstrated its support for liberal state Supreme Court Justice Janet Protasiewicz by voting in her favor. This victory over conservative former Justice Dan Kelly resulted in a significant shift in the court’s ideological balance. Additionally, the majority of voters in the county rejected two constitutional amendments proposed by the Republican-controlled Legislature. These amendments aimed to restrict the governor’s authority in distributing federal emergency relief funds. Fisker attributes both outcomes to the enhanced voter education efforts carried out by her group.
Fisker mentioned that she frequently encounters split-ticket voters. She shared an example of a couple of her friends who expressed their intention to vote for Baldwin but were unsure about Harris. These situations often lead to engaging conversations with neighbors, where opinions and perspectives are shared.
“We are passionate about reproductive rights, the environment, and protecting our rights from being stripped away. However, it is crucial that you approach us in a manner that resonates with us,” emphasized Irene Kendall, a Democrat from Lafayette County (she spells her name in all lower-case letters), who played an integral role in organizing the event. She commended Baldwin and Pocan for their consistent presence in the area and their genuine willingness to listen to the concerns of the community.”
“In rural Wisconsin, people in the countryside are particularly interested in getting to know the candidate personally,” he explained. “It becomes challenging for them to support someone they have never even met before.”
The conventional belief has long been that one must be a Republican to succeed in Lafayette County. However, this perception is gradually shifting. According to him, “It is now possible for a Democrat to win, but it requires considerable effort.”
“It’s not necessarily because the area is so Republican,” he explained. “It’s more about the fact that we haven’t provided people with compelling reasons to vote for the Democrats.” According to him, Baldwin and Pocan were able to present persuasive arguments in their speeches that resonated with the audience.
Pickett emphasized the need for the party to recognize the significance of these races, stating, “These are the races that will define their success, rather than focusing solely on the safe districts.”
Shapiro conveyed the same message to the rural Democrats in Wisconsin as he does to the voters in Pennsylvania. He emphasized the significant power they hold as swing state voters in shaping the future, not only of their state but also of the entire country.
