Barnes, Johnson on attack at competing rallies as crucial US Senate race enters final days

NOW: Barnes, Johnson on attack at competing rallies as crucial US Senate race enters final days
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WEST ALLIS, Wisc. (CBS 58) -- Wisconsin's US Senate candidates are maintaining a furious pace on the campaign trail in the final few days before the election.

The race between incumbent Republican Ron Johnson and Democratic challenger Mandela Barnes is getting national attention because it could play a key role in determining which party controls the Senate.

On Thursday, Barnes held a rally at a local steelworker's lodge, one of several stops in southern Wisconsin. Johnson rallied throughout the central part of the state. With the clock ticking down, both candidates were on the attack.

Barnes told an assembled crowd, "I'm fighting for the working class because I wouldn't be here without it."

Roughly 80 union sisters and brothers turned out Thursday to support Barnes, and to gear up for the final weekend before election day.

Barnes said, "We're fighting for our lives, we're fighting for our democracy, we're fighting for good paying jobs."

USW members have knocked on thousands of doors, talking to voters they say are concerned with rising costs, reliable childcare, and affordable health care.

Roxanne Brown, the International Vice President of USW, said, "We need to make sure that as we're having these conversations, we're talking about the things that really, really matter to people."

For months unions have viewed Wisconsin as a crucial battleground state. So much is at stake that Derek Govert moved here from Indiana to help get out the vote.

Govert said, "I'm fearful of the unions being broken down. Our unions. Steelworkers."

For the past two-and-a-half months, Govert has lived away from his family while trying to explain why Wisconsin families should vote blue. He said key issues are, "Protecting our pensions. Retirement. Things like collectively bargaining."

Thursday's rally showcased several candidates, but the headliner was Barnes, who attacked Johnson early and often. Barnes said, "We know what it takes to improve the economy. Ron Johnson has stood in the way of progress for far too long. He is against putting money back in the pockets of hardworking people."

At a rally up in Kronenwetter Wednesday, Johnson hit back, saying, "He's not been honest. He's been pretty much in hiding. But now Wisconsinites are understanding exactly what he thinks about them."

As the pressure builds, the gloves are coming off.

Ann Roe, a Democratic candidate for Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District, said, "Remember, don't be 'Wisconsin Nice' right now. Remind everybody to vote, and tell them who to vote for."

Barnes is scheduled to make two stops in Madison Friday, then two more in Milwaukee.

Johnson will hold four rallies in northeastern Wisconsin Friday, including in Green Bay and Manitowoc.

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