Two legendary Wisconsin Hall-of-Famers are pledging their support for this year's gubernatorial candidates.
Bart Starr, quarterback for the Green Bay Packers from 1956 to 1971, gave his endorsement to gubernatorial candidate U.S. Rep. Mark Green, R-Wis. Starr will campaign with Green Oct. 29 at the "Rally to Victory" event outside Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
Starr was the MVP of Super Bowls I and II. After retiring from football, he stayed in Green Bay as the Packers' head coach for eight years.
On the other side of the aisle, Hank Aaron endorsed Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle. Aaron played for the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves from 1954 to 1974 and returned to Milwaukee to play for the Brewers from 1975 to 1976.
Aaron is campaigning with Doyle today in Eau Claire, where he once played for the Eau Claire Bears.
Aaron was the 1957 World Series MVP and ranks first on Major League Baseball's all-time home-run list with 755 dingers.
"The governor is thrilled that Hank Aaron is supporting him and coming out to help his campaign," said Anne Lupardus, deputy press secretary for Doyle's campaign. "Hank Aaron is the governor's childhood hero."
Green's campaign echoes those same sentiments about Starr, as Green has been a life-long fan of the former Packer.
"[Bart Starr] is obviously a legend here in the state of Wisconsin, and Mark is thrilled to have the support of a guy who was so heroic on the football field, but even more heroic after his professional career," said Luke Punzenberger, spokesperson for Green's campaign.
After retiring from coaching the Packers, Starr co-founded the Rawhide Boys Ranch. Rawhide is a non-profit organization that provides a positive environment for at-risk and delinquent boys in Wisconsin.
Despite both campaigns' excitement, however, University of Wisconsin political science professor Charles Franklin said he doubts the overall impact of celebrity endorsements.
"I don't think that celebrities, in general, are particularly effective in supporting candidates because voters don't really look to Bart or Hank as sources of political information," Franklin said.
He added that, while every candidate wants to be endorsed by someone popular, endorsements from successful politicians are often more effective.
Former President Bill Clinton has expressed his support for Doyle, as has former Secretary of State Madeline Albright. Clinton will join Doyle on the campaign trail Tuesday.
Franklin called Clinton's endorsement a "serious plus" for the campaign.
"Clinton remains a rock star among loyal Democrats, and he's also very effective with African-Americans," Franklin said. "Not only do [celebrities] generate those favorable news stories, but Bill can actually do something to excite Democratic voters."
Green has also received endorsements from notable politicians. President George W. Bush and former New York City Mayor Rudy Guiliani have come out in support of the Republican candidate.
"[Guiliani] is extremely supportive of Mark's campaign," Punzenberger said.
While the gubernatorial race in Wisconsin is close, Franklin doubts that is the reason celebrities are endorsing the two candidates. He said celebrity endorsements are rarely motivated by a star's strong feelings for a candidate.
"I think they endorse people whenever they get asked to," Franklin said.
