Wisconsin Democrats hope to see Midwestern values included in Kamala Harris DNC speech

CHICAGO (WKBT) -- Vice President Kamala Harris is set to conclude the Democratic National Convention with what is the most important speech of her political career.

Harris's speech is the culmination of four days of hype from top Democrats, family members and some celebrities. Harris may have been Joe Biden's VP the last four years, but it's a job that often sits in the shadows so to some extent, Harris is introducing herself to the American people tonight.

Speakers all weeks have been careful to paint her as a tough former prosecutor, but also someone who grew up in the middle class. It's been a balancing act of Harris as a fighter but also someone who's bringing joy and that idea of compassion for your neighbor.

Her running mate Tim Walz brought a folksy-fighter attitude in his address Wednesday night. Western Wisconsin delegates are hoping Harris reflects that as well.

"I'm hoping western Wisconsinites identify with the hardworking individual that Kamala is, the do the right thing that we all respect and that we all are, really. Western Wisconsin, we jump in when people need help for something," said State Rep. Jodi Emerson (D), 91st Assembly District.

"That she is really here to help working families. I think that's the theme that goes through everything. That every policy that Democrats are proposing is built around making life just a little bit better for working Wisconsin families--the child tax credit, paid family leave," said William Garcia, La Crosse County, 3rd Congressional District Democratic Chair.

Expanding the child tax credit and first-time homebuyer assistance are several points Harris laid out with an economic speech ahead of the DNC.

Before Harris closes Thursday night, Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper will address the DNC.

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