Liz Cheney campaigns with Harris in Ripon, Wisconsin's GOP birthplace

 

RIPON Wis. (CBS 58) -- Vice President Kamala Harris touted a series of endorsements from Republicans including former Congresswoman Liz Cheney during a campaign stop in Wisconsin's GOP birthplace.

Harris and Chaney appeared together for the first time on the campaign trail in Ripon, a small town in northeastern Wisconsin known for its role in forming the Republican Party.

Both women tried to make a direct appeal to independent and moderate voters with the theme of "country over party." The slogan was displayed at the event held at Ripon College.

Cheney, who co-chaired the House committee that investigated Jan. 6, devoted most of her time criticizing former President Donald Trump's actions that day.

"I don't care if you are a Democrat, Republican or an independent. That is depravity, and we must never become numb to it," Cheney said. "Any person who would do these things can never be trusted with power again."

Cheney added Trump's attempt to overturn the 2020 election shows he's "petty" "vindictive" and "cruel."

It comes one day after a federal judge unsealed a 165-page court filing outlining prosecutors’ case against Trump for his attempt to undo his 2020 defeat. Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy and obstruction.

Harris echoed similar attacks against Trump and stressed the importance of upholding the constitution regardless of party.

"Make no mistake he, who if given the chance, would violate [the constitution] again," Harris said. "Donald Trump lost the 2020 election."

Harris also celebrated Cheney's courage to endorse a Democrat even though they might not agree on policy issues.

"We are bound together by one thing that matters to us… and that's our duty to our constitution."

Harris and Cheney tried to make a statement by campaigning in Ripon where meetings were held in 1854 that ultimately led to the birth of the Republican Party.

Republicans downplayed the significance and Cheney's influence in the election.

"Endorsements can mean whatever they want to people, but at the end of the day people vote for the top of the ticket," said Sen. Julian Bradley (R-Franklin).

The visit by Harris continues a theme both campaigns of campaigning in areas they traditionally don't because of how it leans politically. Ripon, which is part of Fond du Lac County, voted about 63% for Trump in 2020.

Voters called Harris trips "refreshing" despite the county electing Republicans.

"I think it's a bold move and a smart move," said Marry Anne Schilling from the Village of Brandon, about 7 miles from Ripon. "I think it's making a statement that yes, there are Democrats in this area and it's not 100% Republican."

Earlier this week, former President Trump campaigned in the deep blue Dane County and Milwaukee.