Capitol Report
By State Representative, Leon D. Young
Leon D. Young
This is the final weekend before Nov. 4 election. According to the latest election polls, it’s a virtual dead-heat between Scott Walker and Mary Burke, who are vying for the Chief Executive position in the state.
As is the case with any election, the outcome generally depends on who ultimately turns out to vote.
The camps of both Walker and Burke are well aware of the political landscape in Wisconsin, and where they must energize their respective bases in order to win.
During a recent campaign appearance in Pewaukee, Walker opted to turn up the political rhetoric by saying many voters in the liberal bastion of Madison are driven by anger and that his supporters need to counter that tide by showing up at the polls. Walker continued. “There are a lot of people who love what we’ve done across the state.
There are many people in Madison who are angry and they’re going to vote no matter what.
We have got to make sure that people who love what we do understand they have to come out just as strong.
If they do, we’ll win this election.”
According to Walker, the biggest challenge confronting him in this election is complacency. “It’s not the opponent, it’s not the attack ads; it’s complacency.”
Mary Burke is also aware of the difficult terrain that lies before her.
Democrats don’t win close elections in Wisconsin without running up the score in both Milwaukee and Madison.
The fundamental problem for Democrats (and in this instance Mary Burke) is a familiar one in midterm campaigns.
Too many of their base voters – especially African-Americans, Latinos, Lower-income, younger and more mobile voters – turn out for presidential races in much greater numbers than for other contests.
Burke’s chances of defeating Republican Governor Scott Walker will hinge, in part, on changing that dynamic.
In an all-out effort to fire up her base, Burke will be sharing the stump with the likes of President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton in the final days of the campaign.
First Lady Michelle Obama has already made two campaign trips to Wisconsin on her behalf.
Elections definitely have consequences. Moreover, midterm elections are as much about which people vote as they are about how people vote.
I urge everyone to go out and vote. In this election with so much at stake, every vote matters. Exercise your civic duty – VOTE!