By Karen Stokes
Photo by Robert Bell
A long line of hundreds of people waited to enter the Wisconsin Center in downtown Milwaukee to see First Lady Michelle Obama.
The First lady was in Milwaukee to campaign for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mary Burke.
“Why wouldn’t I be here?” Obama said. “I see a lot of old friends who were with us when Barack first took office.”
The packed, energized room was filled with a diverse audience of people of every race.
There were both youth and many elderly citizens in attendance. The group was united in support of Mary Burke.
Photo by Robert Bell
“She has been such a passionate champion for our children and families here in Wisconsin,” said the First Lady about Burke.
“People ask me if I still believe in hope and change,” said Obama referring to her husband, President Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign slogan. “I say yes, I’ve seen it with my own eyes”
“Our children can look at the world and know a Black person or a woman can be anything, even president,” Obama said.
Photo by Robert Bell
Burke is the first woman to be nominated by a major political party to be a candidate for governor in Wisconsin.
When Burke appeared on stage, the spirited crowd chanted, “Mary, Mary, Mary” in enthusiasm for support of Burke.
“Scott Walker promised 250,000 jobs, today the results are in, promises broken,” said Burke of Walker’s campaign promise.
“We tried it Walker’s way and its not working, we need new leadership,” Burke said. “We can do better, a lot better.”
Burke continued, “This is going to be a tight race and every single vote is going to matter. Thank you for the work you’ve already done, the future of Wisconsin is at stake.”
Photo by Robert Bell
The event began with the national anthem performed by Carlita Harris. There were various speakers that set the tone for the rally.
Congresswoman Gwen Moore addressed the audience with “Are you ready to rumble?”
She referred to Burke as the “real deal” and that she is woman enough to put herself in the battle.
“She was born and raised in Wisconsin, she has deep roots in Wisconsin.”
With a fired up crowd, Michelle Obama reminded them that electing Burke will take more than enthusiasm at a rally, it’s going to take people at the polls.
“Bring everyone you know with you to the polls,” Obama said. “If we don’t show up this November we know exactly what is going to happen, when we stay home, they win.”
Then a member of the audience yelled “Bring your ID!” Reminding everyone of the Wisconsin voter ID law that will be implemented for the November 4 election.
The enthusiasm continued as the crowd dispersed after the rally.
Sharon Thomas 60, said, “I think Michelle Obama being here today, helped Mary Burke tremendously. Wherever the president and the first lady go, they draw lots and lots of people. We have got momentum.”
Mario Gomez 22, said, “I think in general the entire program was well organized and many prominent leaders of our community came to speak today.
Photo by Robert Bell
I think it was very strategic to bring people from part of an oppressed nationality or minorities to speak today.
I believe this event helped Mary Burke. It helped secure the African- American and the woman vote.”
In the latest Marquette University Law School poll conducted on October 1, Republican Governor Scott Walker leads Mary Burke with a 50 to 45 percent lead among likely voters. This poll has a 4.1 percent margin of error.
The two candidates were tied at 45 percent among registered voters in the same poll.
Michelle Obama will return to Wisconsin for a campaign event with Mary Burke on Tuesday, October 7th in Madison, according to WITI-Fox 6.