(The Center Square) – On the first day of the Republican National Convention, Wisconsin Republicans are exuding confidence about their chances in capturing the state.
The Republican Party of Wisconsin held an open session of the Wisconsin Delegation’s Breakfast Briefing, followed by a news conference. The Monday event featured Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Brian Schimming and Wisconsin State Treasurer John Leiber.
Speakers said that while President Joe Biden is doing poorly after his debate performance, Republicans need to take advantage of all their resources to win over hesitant voters.
Biden beat Trump in Wisconsin by a little more than 20,000 votes in 2020.
“You can’t count on your opponent to screw up. We gotta go win it,” Schimming said. “My goal is for this party and this movement to show the world that we want to make America great again. And the way to do that is to elect Donald Trump and elect the Republican ticket.”
Leiber said in contrast to Republican voters, the Democrats he’s met are resigned rather than enthusiastic.
“They might do it out of duty, some might stay home, but they just don’t have the same energy because they don’t have anything to vote for. And that’s the real difference here. Republicans are actually going out and voting for a candidate they like. And Democrats don’t have that opportunity,” said Leiber
But Schimming reminded the audience Republicans should not assume low enthusiasm or job ratings will win them the vote; they must actively show voters how Trump is the better option.
“I’ve been telling people the real problem with Biden is not his brain, it’s his policies. If Biden was totally sentient – which is not probable, but if he was – his policies would still be terrible. And it’s his policies that are a great threat to America. And if he were to step down, which I don’t think he will, Kamala’s policies would be Biden plus 20% worse,” Schimming said.
Breaking with historically Republican precedent, Schimming said the party must promote early voting, which would allow them to identify and target citizens who haven’t participated.
“I mean, this is what the Democrats have done over and over again. So early voting really matters. If every American votes, we will win in a landslide,” Schimming said. “We’ve had 12 elections in 24 years in this state that have been decided by less than 30,000 votes. We are truly a purple state. And this year, we are here to turn it red.”
Schimming also addressed security concerns about the convention in light of the recent assassination attempt on Trump.
“Milwaukee, Wisconsin right now is the safest place on the face of the planet,” Schimming said. “We have hundreds and hundreds, thousands actually, of law enforcement personnel from all over the country in downtown Milwaukee to make sure that our delegates are alternates, our candidates, our guests, our visitors are safe. And that is our priority.”
