Wisconsin Democrats gathered in Madison over the weekend to discuss the best type of candidate to nominate for governor. The party’s convention highlighted the divide between candidates who appeal to the general electorate and those who excite the party’s base.
Straw Poll Results
A straw poll found that 27.5% of convention-goers backed Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez as the Democratic nominee for governor, with Madison state Rep. Francesca Hong coming in second at 23.1%. The results reflect the ongoing debate within the party about the best approach to winning the general election.
Many attendees, including Doris Schoneman, a retired nursing professor from Waukesha County, prefer Rodriguez, citing her ability to appeal to both rural and urban communities. On the other hand, some attendees, such as Vernon County delegate Alexander McDonough, are backing Hong, who they see as a candidate who can excite the party’s base.
Candidate Platforms
The candidates vying for the nomination have distinct platforms. Rodriguez compared her approach to her career as a nurse, emphasizing the importance of showing up, listening, and caring for the people of Wisconsin. Hong, on the other hand, drew the largest cheers as she spoke of historical Wisconsin political figures and suggested that her campaign aligns with the state’s progressive history.
Other candidates, such as Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and state Sen. Kelda Roys, also made their cases to the convention-goers. Crowley highlighted his executive experience, while Roys emphasized her years of passing progressive legislation.
Original reporting: Wisconsin Watch — read the source article.
