Trump campaigns in deep blue Dane County, Milwaukee

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Former President Donald Trump made a rare visit to deep blue Dane County and Milwaukee as the campaign seeks to build momentum for Republicans in areas that heavily favor Democrats.

Trump made two stops in the battleground state just hours before the vice-presidential debate. The first was held at Dane Manufacturing in Waunakee, about 30 minutes from downtown Madison. From there, the former president traveled to Milwaukee to speak at Discovery World.

During his remarks in Waunakee, Trump criticized his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, on immigration, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and the economy.

"Kamala's plan will kill the American dream and make inflation worse than it ever was," Trump said. "My plan will bring back the American dream, but bigger, better and stronger."

He also urged supporters to vote before Election Day and "do it anyway you want," with absentee voting underway in the state.

"Go as soon as you can, and get out there," Trump said. "Do it anyway you want… just make sure your vote is counted. We are leaving nothing to chance and everything on the field."

The 80-minute speech struck a similar tone to a rally held in Prairie Du Chien over the weekend, with Trump blaming Harris for migrant crime and calling her "incompetent."

Trump also again zeroed in on the recent arrest of Alejandro Jose Coronel Zarate, who Prairie du Chien police say has ties to a Venezuelan gang. Police charged him with sexual assault, child abuse, strangulation and domestic abuse.

On behalf of the Harris campaign, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers slammed Trump's visit by contrasting the two candidates.

"I know Wisconsin families, and they’re going to reject [Trump] again in November," Evers said. "Vice President Harris is the only candidate in this race fighting to lower costs, cut taxes, and invest in Wisconsin’s future.”

Why Dane County?

The former president's visit to Dane County marked the first time in nearly three decades a Republican presidential candidate visited the region. In 1996, GOP presidential nominee Bob Dole campaigned in Madison.

It comes after Wisconsin Republicans stressed to the Trump campaign the importance of trying to reduce Democratic margins in Dane County this fall.

Former Gov. Tommy Thompson said he spoke to Trump recently and encouraged him to not ignore the county that's home to the third-most Republican voters in the state.

"You have to go where the votes are," Thompson said. "You have to go where the opposition is, and you have to come into Dane County."

Thompson added, "We're going to win, and Democrats get the hell out of our way, we are coming!"

Trump Campaigns in Milwaukee

After his remarks in Waunakee, Trump stumped at Milwaukee's Discovery World.

In the afternoon, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff also campaigned in Milwaukee for Vice President Harris and her plans for an "opportunity economy," according to the campaign.

This story will be updated.