Tim Walz earns praise from Wisconsin Democrats as Harris' VP pick

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Democrats from across the state are applauding Vice President Kamala Harris' selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.

Many praised the former teacher and Army National Guard veteran for his Midwestern ties, which Democrats believe can help their fight against former President Donald Trump in the battleground state.

“All roads to the White House lead through the Midwest, and who better to help guide us there than the governor of Minnesota himself," said Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI 2nd).

Gov. Tony Evers, who previously served as the state superintendent of schools, said Walz’s education background shows he can lead with "kindness, empathy, and respect."

"Those are exactly the kind of Midwestern values and qualities that will make Tim a great vice president," Evers said.

Before he was elected Minnesota’s governor in 2018, Walz served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and won a district that former President Donald Trump carried in 2016.

Milwaukee Congresswoman Gwen Moore, who served with Walz in Congress, said his experience could appeal to rural voters in Wisconsin.

"I think [Harris' pick] was spot on," Moore said. "He's a gun owner. He's relatable to people who own guns and he's working class."

Walz, a gun owner and supporter of the Second Amendment, shifted his stance on guns during his 2018 campaign for governor. He began supporting more gun control measures in wake of a gunman opening fire in 2018 at a high school in Parkland Florida, killing 17 people.

Barry Burden, University of Wisconsin-Madison political science professor, said while VP picks don't usually help the party perform better in states they represent, Walz's background could resonate with voters in smaller communities to help the party maintain the "blue wall" in Midwest states.

"Walz is likely to relate to rural voters in Wisconsin better than other Democrats," Burden said. "His modest Midwest background and experience in small town life should be helpful in communicating with rural residents of Wisconsin. That is something that Harris would have difficulty doing."

Ben Wikler, chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, believes Walz joining the ticket can also help elevate the party's momentum in national polling since Harris reset the presidential race once President Joe Biden stepped aside.

"We know that he understands how people live in our state," Wikler said. "He understands and respects small town values and big city values. He's someone who I think can really earn votes across our state."

Harris and Walz will have their first joint appearance together in Eau Claire Wednesday. The campaign rally will coincide with a visit from JD Vance, the GOP vice presidential nominee, who will hold a dueling event less than five miles away.

Vance announced a series of events Monday to offer counterprogramming in some of the same battleground states Harris and Walz will visit this week.

In response to Harris' pick, Republicans slammed the Minnesota governor as "liberal" and casted doubts he can win over Wisconsin voters.

"Tim Walz, to me, is probably the worst pick she could have had because she doesn't get anything out of it," said Brian Schimming, chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin. "It is a retrenchment strategy when they come back to the Midwest."