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Wisconsin to take center stage in political arena
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by Ryan Masse
Monday, September 13, 2004
The political blitz on Wisconsin is showing no signs of relenting, as this week Madison will take its turn as the destination of choice for many prominent politicians.
First Lady Laura Bush will kick off the influx of political figures with a rally at the Marriot Madison West in Middleton this afternoon. Elizabeth Edwards, wife of Democratic vice-presidential nominee John Edwards (N.C.), will tour a stem-cell research facility in Madison later tonight.
Although she made a deal with her husband at their wedding that she would never have to make a political speech, Laura Bush has embraced the role of campaigning for the president.
“She is a tremendous spokesperson of the man the president is and the leadership he exhibits,” said Bush campaign spokesperson Ali Harden. “She’s an extremely effective voice for the campaign because she has a vantage point that nobody else has. She made a deal that she would never make political speech, but she absolutely enjoys campaigning.”
Wednesday will bring two presidential candidates to Madison, as Democratic candidate Sen. John Kerry (Mass.) will hold a midday rally and Independent candidate Ralph Nader will rally at night.
Gates will open 11:00 am for Kerry’s rally at the Capitol Square. The event, which is free and open to the public, is the senator’s first visit to Wisconsin since a “Front Porch” discussion in Green Bay August 25.
The visit is a great opportunity for students to see the candidate up close, says Rachel Donald, Students for Kerry chair.
“Madison has that liberal persona, and sometimes we tend to get skipped over, so it’s fantastic that he’s finally here,” Donald said. “It’s fantastic he’s coming; I’m so excited and I hope as many students go to see him as possible.”
Nader will speak at the Memorial Union at 7:30 Wednesday night.
The visit comes on the heels of the Nader campaign’s attempt to run on the Wisconsin ballot. The campaign submitted 4,000 signatures Tuesday, but a challenge from the Democratic Party before Friday’s deadline has put Nader’s ballot status on hold.
Paul Heideman, chair of Students for Nader, expressed disappointment with the Democrats’ challenge, but said it was not a surprising move.
“I can’t say we didn’t expect it, because it’s the same tactics they’ve been using to restrict voter choice in nearly every state,” Heideman said.
The Madison visit will provide a rare opportunity for students to hear from Nader himself, Heideman said.
“The mainstream press is blocking what he has to say, so it’s crucial for students to actually hear Ralph speak.”
Capping off the week will be Green Party presidential candidate David Cobb, who will speak Friday at the Memorial Union Great Hall at noon.
Anonymous (September 14, 2004 @ 12:00am):
That black guy in the photo looks superimposed, like the one time UW did it on the recruiting mag ...
Anonymous (September 14, 2004 @ 12:00am):
That black guy in the photo looks superimposed, like the one time UW did it on the recruiting mag ...
