For the inaugural occasion in over a decade, Wisconsin’s Democratic clan is attempting to contest an array of micro-level electoral races. Those contemplating it might reckon that even a modicum of voters invigorated via door-to-door campaigning could tip a closely contested presidential race. However, in a rather humorous twist, during a calling campaign, Jamie Wall, vying for Wisconsin’s State Senate from the Democratic slate, learned that true-life scenarios might not always dance to hypothetical tunes.
A rather eventful incident unfolded as Wall unsuspectingly approached a red-brick dwelling, adorned strikingly with yard signs and flags hailing Trump. The house belonged to John Soletski, a staunch Trump supporter, who also happens to run a yard operation, of all things! A classic unintentional comedy setup waiting to play out.
While it could be said that Soletski commended Wall’s enthusiasm for door-to-door campaigning, it was promptly followed by an insistent assertion that his vote rests firmly with ‘the Trump guy’. Even though he vowed to read about all the candidates, it does make one wonder whether the Democrats’ strategy of working the crowd will yield any significant results.
The Democrats in Wisconsin, rising from a long slumber, reminiscent of mythical Rip Van Winkle, are now eyeing local areas with newfound zeal. With their rose-tinted glasses on, they perceive the possibility of a beneficial updraft effect—from Vice President Kamala Harris to Senator Tammy Baldwin. The question looms: can they override the majority held by Republicans and take control or will their hopes be dashed yet again?
In the past, Biden barely managed a victory in Wisconsin, scraping by with merely 20,682 votes more than his counterpart Trump. The Democrats believe that even minimal voter numbers swayed by their doorstep campaigns could make a veritable impact. Yet, despite this questionable optimism, they remain oblivious to the off-putting effects of their persistent door-knocking.
It’s perturbing to note that following a decade of Republican dominion over Wisconsin’s legislative chambers, aided in part by party-drawn voting maps, this robust Democratic resurgence seems peevishly centered around issues like abortion, school financing, and Medicaid expansion. It’s however manifest that these rallying points for Democrats fail to appeal to the broader electorate.
Intriguingly, the Democrats’ quixotic quest for power saw a minor victory last year, wherein a liberal justice was elected to the State Supreme Court, chiefly hinging on fear-mongering about an antiquated abortion ban. However, the legitimacy of their triumph remains grounded in dissatisfaction about gerrymandering that resulted in a legislature overwhelmingly republican in an evenly split state.
Post the swearing-in of the liberal justice, Janet Protasiewicz, a surge of left-leaning law firms and rights groups lodged a legal challenge against the districts, manipulating the liberal majority to effect new maps for the 2024 election. Although they successfully got the State Legislature maps redrawn, this short win could be a loss in disguise, as the impact on the U.S. House districts isn’t clear.
This political tussle revealed the extent of damage done by gerrymandering and translated into new equilibrium maps drawn up by Democrat governor, Tony Evers, which the Republican Legislature grudgingly accepted. Hence, the stakes for Wisconsin’s political races have never been higher. But are the Democrats ready to punch above their level or will the Republican complacency continue to reign supreme?
Doug Reich, the chairman of Brown County’s Republican Party, isn’t sweating the small stuff. His confidence rests on the belief that the spirit of the Trump administration will invigorate the movement, and engage otherwise ignorant citizens, countering any efforts put forth by the Democrats.
However, Democrats intent on contesting 97 of the Assembly’s 99 seats and all the 16 up-for-grabs State Senate seats, are still hopeful for a surprising sweep. Whether their number game will actually translate into seat wins remains to be seen. Unfortunately for them, Republicans responded to their intensity by choosing not to contest five Democrat-held State Senate districts.
The mounting indifference of the Republicans does seem to be leaving room for an invigorated Democratic race. In particular, Ryan Spaude, a fresh face in the political arena and former district attorney, is emerging as a strong contender vying for Assembly seat. However, with the Republican majority expected to remain, it is uncertain whether these nouveau Democrats will be able to pull their weight.
To keep the initiative going, Democrats are persisting in their door-to-door campaigns, despite the expense and inefficiency of the method. It may create feel-good moments and photo ops, but the question persists whether it will turn their luck around in this difficult political arena.
The Democrats are leaving no stone unturned for making the elections a nail-biting contest. However, are shoe-leather strategies and strenuous door knocking going to suffice? A resident, Brad Hooyman, puts the uncertainty best by stating he doesn’t go by party lines and that every level of governance differs vastly.
Despite the gambits of the Democrats, it seems that they are largely playing into a Republican narrative. The common concerns about the cost of living essentially place the real voter issues on Republican turf, and the Democrats seem to be caught in a guessing game.
In conclusion, the Wisconsin Democrats’ tireless campaign efforts and the Republicans’ complacent attitude can make for hilarious interactions on doorsteps, but the real heart of the matter lies elsewhere. It isn’t about the number of doors knocked or leaflets handed out, but the ideologies they stand for and the real-world policies they aim to enact.