Here's where Wisconsin Democrats stand on Pres. Biden amid calls to step down

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Days after vowing to stay in the race while campaigning in Wisconsin, President Joe Biden continues to try to reassure Democrats, while some fear his choice could hurt Democrats up and down the ballot this fall.

In a letter to congressional Democrats, Biden on Monday rejected calls for him to drop out and end his campaign as some party members remain split since his debate performance last month.

Charles Franklin, poll director of the Marquette Law School, said it's possible Biden could be a drag on Democratic campaigns in November.

Some voters may skip voting in the presidential race due to a lack of enthusiasm for Biden in recent polling, but still show up to support other Democrats on the ballot, Franklin said.

"But if Democrats stay home because they are disenchanted with Biden, then that hurts Democrats all the way down the ballot," said Franklin.

Here's where Wisconsin Democrats stand as they face questions about Mr. Biden's health and his 2024 bid.

Tammy Baldwin

Senator Tammy Baldwin, who spent most of last week traveling the state on a pre-planned campaign tour instead of joining the president during a rally in Madison Friday, said it's up to Biden to make his own decision whether to stay or step aside.

"First of all, I'm focused on my own campaign right now," Baldwin told reporters Sunday while wrapping up a campaign stop in Sun Prairie. "But the bottom line is it's his decision and I'm going to be fighting for the entire Democratic ticket."

For months, Baldwin has centered her campaign around her own record and distanced herself from the president. It comes even before his shaky debate performance. Biden recorded low favorability and job approval numbers in recent statewide polling by Marquette Law School.

The last time she was seen with Biden was in January during a campaign stop in Superior to tout the bipartisan infrastructure law. Since then, Baldwin skipped the last four visits Biden has made to the battleground state.

Her GOP opponent Eric Hovde has tried to tie Baldwin and Biden together by attacking her for her voting record in Congress.

“Now Senator Baldwin -- who supports Joe Biden as all of you know, votes with him 95.5% of the time – has been an ally of his for a long time, knows him exceptionally well,” said Hovde during a recent press call ahead of Biden's visit to Madison.

When asked if she'd join future events Biden has in Wisconsin, Baldwin told reporters, "yes."

The Democratic incumbent also acknowledged she's heard from voters who are concerned about Biden's ability to serve and has said she's "passed those on to the White House."

Mark Pocan

Rep. Mark Pocan, who's also up for reelection this fall, is standing by the president and recently spoke at his campaign rally last week.

“Joe Biden gets it done, Donald Trump gets felonies,” Pocan said regarding the former president's recent conviction by a Manhattan jury.

The Democrat from the Town of Vermont did not respond to requests for interviews to elaborate further on the president's status.

Gwen Moore

Rep. Gwen Moore, the Milwaukee Democrat that often speaks at Biden events, did not attend Friday's rally in Madison.

A spokeswoman for Moore's office declined to answer a series of questions about why she didn't attend or whether she has any concerns about Biden. Instead, a staffer said she "does support President Biden’s reelection."

Peter Barca

Peter Barca, former state revenue secretary who’s challenging Rep. Bryan Steil in Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District, also did not appear Friday.

His campaign did not respond to questions about whether he wants the president to step aside or stay in the race.

Other Prominent Democrats Backing Biden

Gov. Tony Evers and Ben Wikler, chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, have been the most outspoken Democrats who are vowing to back Biden's decision to keep his campaign alive.

After being notably absent from a call with Democratic governors about Biden's poor debate performance, Evers stressed to supporters days later the importance of Wisconsin during the president's rally Friday.

"The choice this November has never been more clear," Evers said. "The future of democracy runs right through the great state of Wisconsin."

Wikler, who vowed to back Biden as the party's nominee following his debate performance, dismissed calls that some Democratic donors are becoming anxious and may invest in down-ballot races instead.

"He's been able to show the country when you have decency, empathy and conviction, and how that can keep helping working families," Wikler said. "President Biden has shown us the type of president he can be, and he knows exactly what kind of President he'll be in his second term: a great one."