President Obama attends rally and fundraising events in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE - President Barack Obama made a stop in Wisconsin for only the second time this year.  

This trip was all about fundraising and touching base with voters to try and maintain, or even boost, his slim lead over rival Mitt Romney.

And the President made it clear he was on the side of the Middle Class.

"Top down economic never works," President Obama faulted Romney's economic plan as he spoke before a supportive crowd at a fundraising event at the Milwaukee Theatre.

Supporters paid anywhere from $250 to $25,000 a ticket for the private events planned in the afternoon.

Then the President continued his attack on the GOP ticket in front of an estimated 18,000 people at the Summerfest grounds along the lakeshore.

Once again he attacked Romney for offering a plan that provides tax breaks for the wealthy.

"I got to tell you Milwaukee I refuse to ask Middle Class families to give up their deductions for owning a home or raising kids just to give millionaires a tax cut," said the President.

The President's visit also allowed him the opportunity to take in the local flavor of the city by stopping at Usinger's Sausage shop for some bratwurst. He later called the sausage, "outstanding."

But his first visit to Wisconsin since February drew criticism from Republican leaders who say Obama's appearance must have him feeling not so confident about a victory here.

Republican Governor Scott Walker issued a statement ahead of Obama's visit saying, "With his visit today, President Obama admits he has a Wisconsin problem."

Since Obama's 14 point 2008 victory in Wisconsin over Sen. John McCain, the state has voted in a Republican governor twice including this year's recall election.

The Republican National Committee took the opportunity to release aweb video titled "Since You've Been Gone."  

It highlights the economic woes since Obama's last visit to Wisconsin. During that time Republicans say 23 million Americans remain unemployed, and poverty and food stamp enrollment numbers are at an all time high.

President Obama says some progress has been made and he's committed to getting the economy back on track, but he can't do it alone.

As supporters booed the mention of Romney's economic plan, the President urged them not to boo but to vote.  That comment solicited cheers.

The Obama Campaign confirmed First Lady Michelle Obama will visit the Appleton area next week, although no details of the visit were released.