State races deal with preisdential campaign visits

BROWN COUNTY - Republican John Macco says he knew he had an uphill battle challenging Democrat Dave Hansen for his State Senate seat.

“Not only does he have the seat, he's the incumbent, he's been in the job for twelve years,” said Macco.

As a first-timer on the campaign trail, Macco also has to battle the national races when trying to introduce his message to voters.

“The hardest challenge I have is that people understand that I'm running for State Senate and I've stolen a line from Greenpeace that says look let's think globally but act locally,” said Macco.

On Thursday, Macco tried sharing that thought while going door to door in De Pere.

Hansen spent his evening with hundreds of union workers at a rally at Green Bay's Labor Temple.

“We're doing our lit and we're out at all the events and we're on TV a lot and all the stuff we've done, lots of brochures,” said Hansen, who lives in Green Bay. “We're getting our message out.”

Hansen says he isn't worried about presidential visits interfering with his reelection goal.

“It really comes down to what we believe is top down,” said Hansen. “If the president does well, other Democrats will do well and I think that's going to happen.”

According to finance reports, Hansen has raised nearly $127,725 this year for his campaign. Macco has raised $189,956. Those totals combined don't even match some single TV spots the presidential campaigns have purchased in Northeast Wisconsin.

However, when outside money is factored in after the election is complete, the Hansen/Macco race will likely exceed $1 million.

But both sides agree, the best way to get their message out is doing it themselves.