Wisconsin delegation coalescing around Harris, unifying party top priority

 

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- More high-profile Democrats in the battleground state, including Wisconsin delegates, are getting behind Vice President Kamala Harris as state party leaders work to consolidate support.

On Monday, Gov. Tony Evers was the latest prominent Democrat to endorse Harris just a day after he didn't mention the vice president in a statement regarding President Biden announcement suspending his campaign.

"I did not endorse yesterday…I wanted President Biden to have that connection to the people of Wisconsin, let them have that," Evers said. "I've been with [Harris] many times since she's been Vice President. She's done a great job and I believe she's going to win."

During an event in Milwaukee, Evers grew emotional talking about Biden's exit from the race and called him a "good friend' that's "done a lot of this county."

The Democratic governor, who's also a delegate, said he has not talked to Biden or Harris since Sunday's announcement.

It comes as a most members of Wisconsin's delegation are pledging their support for Harris just four weeks before Chicago hosts the Democratic National Convention.

More than 90 percent of delegates representing Wisconsin are fully behind the vice president and her presidential campaign, according to Ben Wikler, chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.

"I have not heard of anyone share with me they would oppose Vice President Harris as the nominee in our party and I have all the confidence that as we moved towards November, we will be fully united," Wikler said.

Wikler said 89 of the state's 95 delegates had declared their support for Harris as of 2 p.m. Monday.

During a call with delegates Sunday evening, State Rep. Chistine Sinicki of Milwaukee told CBS 58 there was discussion about a possible open convention in August if another candidate emerges.

"I think there is some talk about a possible open convention," Sinicki said. "In my mind we need to go in there unified. If you watched the Republican convention, they were so united. We need to do the same thing."

The developments come as Harris scheduled a visit to Milwaukee on Tuesday ahead of Biden's announcement. A source close to the campaign said there's been no scheduling changes. No additional details were provided.

Republicans were quick to pivot their attacks against Harris in wake of growing support for her name to be on the ballot.

Brian Schimming, chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, characterized Harris as "more liberal than Biden" and downplayed concerns she could make inroads with Black and Latino voters, a key voter demographic both parties are trying to win-over.

"Democrats are at a historic low right now and it's costing them," Schimming said. "They are behind in every swing state. Kamala Harris has to do the job right now that Joe Biden couldn’t and can't."