JANESVILLE Rock County Republicans are ramping up their efforts to reach voters, relying on door-to-door canvassing, social media, email outreach and campaign events to activate supporters as the November election approaches.
Dan Hubert, Republican Party of Rock Countys second vice chair, said that someone is out knocking on doors every day. He said the organization has seen people reaching out because they want to get involved.
Save Wisconsin Saturday canvassing events have become a major part of the partys organizing efforts, with volunteers gathering for door launches before heading into neighborhoods to talk with voters.
The party also has maintained a presence at community events, including the Rock County 4-H Fair, and has offered office hours for people interested in getting involved.
But with the election approaching, Hubert said the partys focus currently is on direct voter contact.
Our purpose is really on doors right now and getting out there face to face, Hubert said.
The effort comes as Republican candidates and party officials are seeking to build support in a county that speakers at a recent Republican campaign event characterized as increasingly competitive for Republicans, in spite of the historic unpopularity of the President.
On Saturday, both gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany and first congressional district incumbent Bryan Steil were at the partys county office to speak with voters.
Steil encouraged attendees to spend time talking with friends and neighbors, going door to door and helping turn out voters.
Both politicians also highlighted issues they believe could resonate with Rock County voters, including taxes, government spending, energy costs, education and data centers.
Tiffany, the Republicans candidate for governor after emerging from a lopsided primary with Andy Manske, used the event to outline several proposals, including returning a projected state budget surplus to taxpayers, reducing taxes on middle-class income, eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, auditing state government and changing state policies on energy and education.
Tiffany also criticized Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley over property taxes and county spending, including spending on tablets for people incarcerated in the county jail. Crowley is the Democratic candidate for governor.
The candidates remarks also included repeated calls for volunteers to engage voters directly. Even with a massive campaign war chest for the state party much of which was contributed by Diane Hendricks of Beloit, along with Illinois couple Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein they dont want to leave the election up to spending on campaign advertising.
For Rock County Republicans, the ground-level effort is already underway.
The party is also emphasizing issues that could appeal to voters beyond traditional party lines, including opposition to data center development.
Hubert said the party has heard from voters interested in the issue, while acknowledging that voters have different motivations for becoming involved. Data centers have become a prominent issue in Rock County as local officials and residents debate how the county and its municipalities should regulate potential development.
The issue has also created an unusual political landscape, with some local residents displaying signs opposing data centers alongside signs supporting or opposing political candidates across the traditional political spectrum.
With the election approaching, Hubert said the partys message to voters is straightforward: participate.
Just vote and make sure you know where youre voting, he said.