Both Sides: Preparing for Michelle Obama's visit

APPLETON - Michelle Obama will be in Appleton on Friday. She will speak at the Alexander Gymnasium at Lawrence University.

Doors open at 1 p.m.

Tickets for the event are all gone. They were available on a first come, first served basis.

Meanwhile, dozens of volunteers are hard at work.

“We are making signs, homemade signs,” said Donna Peloza, Obama volunteer.

Signs for a visit Friday from first lady Michelle Obama.

“I can hardly contain my excitement,” said Christine Kehoe, Obama volunteer

“I've never been at a presentation with Mrs. Obama. I am looking forward to seeing her and hearing what her message is,” said Peloza.

Mrs. Obama will speak Friday at Lawrence University. She is expected to touch on issues important to the campaign, such as health care, education and the economy.

But not everyone will be happy to see Mrs. Obama. Local Republicans say while it may be an honor to welcome the first lady, they would rather hear from President Obama himself.

“Right now unemployment has been over 8% for 42 straight months. We don't feel like things are getting better. 69% of Americans agree that the country's not better off than it was four years ago. It's time for a change,” said Ron Tusler, Outagamie County Republican Party.

In recent presidential elections, Wisconsin backed the Democrats. Local Republicans think that could change this year.

“Appleton is a Republican stronghold. Outagamie County is a Republican County. We anticipate that Outagamie County will certainly go for Mitt Romney. We certainly hope the state does as well,” said Tusler.

Volunteers like Christine Kehoe say the first lady's visit will carry them through November.

”I think it just gets us more excited about the work we've been doing for Obama,” she said.

This will be the second visit to Wisconsin for Mrs. Obama in four weeks. Last month she was in the Milwaukee area.