State party chair: Dems headed to Chicago convention with energy, momentum

JANESVILLE — State Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler says Wisconsin Democrats are going into next week’s national convention on a high note after Tuesday’s primary.

The Democratic National Convention takes place in Chicago Monday through Thursday, Aug. 19-22.

Wikler would not characterize the state party as in dire straights prior to Kamala Harris’ entry into the presidential race, but he said there’s been a noticeable improvement in energy and enthusiasm.

“The Harris-Walz ticket has meant everything to Democrats in Wisconsin,” Wikler said. “It’s not just the intangibles such as energy, enthusiasm and hope, but the hard-core data shows what’s happening.

“Hundreds of thousands of dollars have come into the campaign since the Harris Walz ticket was formed,” he said, adding that “polling shows Harris leading Trump not only in Wisconsin but in other battleground states.”

Wikler said the Democrats have seen an influx of new volunteers.

“I’m talking about all areas of volunteer work such as door knockers out there meeting independent and undecided voters,” he said. “That’s an example of positive work that results in success on election day.”

With Harris at the top of the ticket, other Democrats on the ballot will benefit, Wikler predicted. “This enthusiasm and energy carry over into down ballot races,” he said.

Wikler waved off Donald Trump-endorsed congressional candidate Tony Wied’s win in the GOP primary in Wisconsin’s 8th congressional district.

“If you want to win a Republican primary, you have a better chance if backed by Trump,” Wikler said. “That’s helpful in a primary, but it does not mean success in the general election.”

Wikler said he was “blown away” when state voters rejected two constitutional amendment referendums on Tuesday aimed at giving more power to the legislature and less power to the governor to spend federal money.

“Governor (Tony) Evers created a powerful single message that the checks and balances system of Wisconsin government should remain. It was a great day for Wisconsin,” he said.

“The Wisconsin delegation to the Democratic national convention is looking forward to being part of a great experience,” Wikler continued. “We will have breakfast meetings every morning featuring some of the most prominent Democrats in the nation.”

“One issue our delegation will work on is to make sure our platform recognizes the need to preserve the ability to make our own medical decisions,” he said. “We are looking forward to being a part of showing the nation what Democrats stand for.”