JANESVILLE — Vice President Kamala Harris has drawn massive crowds late in this campaign, but during a visit Friday to Janesville, the Democratic candidate for president chose a more intimate venue.
Speaking to a crowd of primarily union members at the IBEW Local 890 training center near the former GM Janesville Assembly Plant, Harris made the point that she is a friend of labor and is courting the union vote in the final days of the campaign.
Harris told the overflow crowd that as Americans, we all rise and fall together.
“Here in Janesville and across our nation, union members have lead the fight for fair pay, better benefits and safer working conditions,” she said, “and every person in America benefits from your work.
“I tell people everywhere I go, thank a union member,” Harris said.
She also said the putting Donald Trump back in the White House would be a serious blow to the labor movement in the country.
Ken Miller, president of the Wisconsin Laborer’s’ District Council said his members are excited to support Harris.
He said the investments made under the Biden Harris administration has helped grow memberships and apprenticeships in his union.
Supporters began lining up before 11 a.m., with Harris taking the stage shortly before 3 p.m.
Peter Barca, candidate for Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, Gov. Tony Evers and labor leaders all addressed the crowd prior to Harris’s remarks, which lasted about 25 minutes.
About 300 people filled the training area of the IEBW facility, while another 100-200 were in an overflow room. Late arrivers had to be turned away.
After her Janesville event, Harris traveled to Little Chute in the Fox Valley for a second event in the state.
Harris and former President Donald Trump will wrap up Friday with dueling events in Milwaukee.
Both Harris and Trump are focusing efforts on Wisconsin and other battle ground states in the waning days of the campaign.
The most recent Marquette Law School Poll gives Harris a 50-49 lead over Trump in Wisconsin among likely voters.
