Expert: National politicians stumping in Wisconsin helps increase voter turnout
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Image by Courtesy of John de Rosier; MGN Online
MILWAUKEE- Former President Clinton stumped for Democratic Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett; South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley joined Republican Governor Walker during the last day of in-person absentee voting.
Does having heavy hitters like Clinton and Haley matter to Wisconsin voters?
Jeff Mayers, president of Wispolitics.com, says "yes it matters" -- because the biggest message at this point is motivating people to vote.
Mayers noted that recent polls suggest there are very few undecided voters, so maximizing turnout is essential -- particularly for Democrats who trail in the gubernatorial recall election and likely trail in expected turnout.
While the recall election isn't until Tuesday, Mayers argues that hammering home the message of "get out and vote" can't be overdone. He said that national politicians, calls, mail, emails and texts historically increase voter turnout.
A frustrating point for local Democrats is President Obama's decision to stay out of Wisconsin ahead of the recall election. Mr. Obama is in Minnesota then going to Illinois, but has no plans to be in the Badger State. According to Mayers, "A lot of Democrats are peeved at this."
Mayers said the president needs to be calculated in his stumping trips, because it could reflect poorly on him if he campaigns for Barrett, and Barrett loses the recall election. However, since Wisconsin is a toss up state in the upcoming presidential race, Obama not visiting Wisconsin would be in the minds of voters in November.
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