Dem state party chair expects big voter turnout in Rock County, but no landslide

CHICAGO — The Democratic voter turnout in Rock County may not equal the 2008 total recorded for Barack Obama, but Democratic State Party Chair Ben Wikler predicts an improvement from recent statewide elections.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Wikler assessed the Rock County turnout.

“I would always rather win in a landslide than win by a hair’s breath, but the most important thing is winning,” Wikler said. “It’s like Nancy Pelosi said, ‘just win, baby.’’’

Republicans made inroads in Rock County in 2016 and 2020, Wikler said.

“We are not yet at the landslide levels of 2008 and 2012, nor are we at the landslide levels of Herb Kohl, but we are doing a heck of a lot better than we did in 2010 or 2014 or 2016.

“We’re growing and fighting and organizing,” Wikler said. “The Rock County Dems are fighting for us. Their work on the ground throughout Rock County, not just in the cities, is a force to be reckoned with.

“The pent-up demand (in Rock County) for Harris-Walz signs is though the roof,” he said. “I have every confidence they are going to keep on fighting.”

Wikler cautioned against overconfidence.

“We should have no illusions,” he said. “Republicans are trying to max out their numbers as well. This is a dog fight.

“We should not expect this election to be a landslide,” Wikler said. “It will be razor thin, and we will win by outworking the other side.”