Surrogates head to Wisconsin next week to boost turnout in crucial counties

By: Emilee Fannon Facebook | Twitter

Posted: Oct 21, 2022 2:56 PM CDT

NOW: Surrogates head to Wisconsin next week to boost turnout in crucial counties

MADISON Wis. (CBS 58) -- It's that time of year that campaigns bring reinforcements to help energize their base, and there's a reason why.

Next week, the battle of the surrogates begins as Democrats look to strengthen turnout in Madison and Milwaukee. Meanwhile, Republicans will focus on the Milwaukee suburbs - a key voting demographic.

On Wednesday, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) will lend a hand to Democratic candidates, including incumbent Gov. Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul. Warren will headline the event at the UW-Madison campus to mobilize students and will be joined by Sen. Tammy Badlwin.

That same day, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin will stump for Republican Tim Michels and his bid for governor during an event in Waukesha. On Oct. 29, former President Barack Obama will stump for Democratic candidates in Milwaukee to strengthen turnout.

Anthony Cherogky, assistant professor of political science at UW-La Crosse, said visits by these surrogates have a purpose.

"When we think about how Democrats win statewide elections, we know that they need to get a significant vote share in Madison and Milwaukee," Cherogky said. "Milwaukee turnout has been inconsistent over the years, so the goal is to ensure voters in the area actually go to the polls and cast a vote."

Republicans will be following the Wisconsin political playbook by targeting the southeastern part of the state.

Youngkin's visit to Waukesha highlights how the party is aiming to secure the WOW counties, Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington, a crucial demographic of voters that Republicans typically need to win in order to be successful in statewide races.

One big question looming is whether former President Donald Trump will make another trip to Wisconsin. Trump, who endorsed Michels, held a rally in Waukesha ahead of the August primary.

Republican sources tell CBS 58 some are wary about a Trump appearance due to concerns he'd talk about rigged elections which could impact voter turnout.