Tuesday, April 1, 2008
8:10 PM
Milwaukee Co. party leaders say things went smoothly
Party leaders in Milwaukee County said voting today went smoothly and turnout was been moderate
Milwaukee County Democratic Party Chairwoman Martha Love said "there's been an absolutely full-court press" to drive up turnout for several candidates in the Milwaukee area.
Love said Dem volunteers have been knocking on doors throughout the county, distributing literature, and making phone calls on behalf of Justice Louis Butler, County Executive candidate Sen. Lena Taylor, city attorney candidate Pedro Colon, and several Milwaukee Common Council and county board candidates.
Love said there was a "a major literature drop" right before the election throughout Milwaukee County. Love said volunteers were "all over" the county now encouraging people to go to the polls.
She said this afternoon turnout had been moderate so far, but she expected it to pick up before polls close.
"All of these efforts are paying off," she said.
Milwaukee County Republican Chairman Bob Spindell, who serves as a city of Milwaukee election commissioner, also said turnout has been moderate and the election had been going smoothly.
The only reoccurring problem he witnessed was stickers for incumbent Sup. James White getting stuck in the voting machines. White's name did not appear on the ballot due to a signature gaffe, and he and his opponent are both waging write-in campaigns.
Spindell noted turnout appeared higher in districts with contested aldermanic races, like in the 6th District in which jailed Ald. Michael McGee is defending his seat from a challenge by Milele Coggs.
Spindell has been visiting polling sites throughout the day. He said that Coggs and her volunteers have been out distributing literature, but have stayed the required 100 feet away from the polling places.
Spindell said he's seen no signs or anyone passing out fliers for McGee.
Spindell said he hasn't noticed "any massive push" to drive up turnout, especially compared to efforts for Sen. Barack Obama in February.
Much of the last-minute work has been done on black radio, Spindell and Love both said.
Butler made a last-minute pitch on 1290 WMCS radio today. Love said several people called in, saying they voted for Butler due to ads run against him they considered over the top.
Alex Runner, staff assistant to Common Council President Willie Hines Jr., said Butler's candidacy should drive up turnout in African-American districts.
"I think a lot of people underestimated the importance of this election for African Americans and the fact that this is the first opportunity people have to elect the first African-American Wisconsin Supreme Court justice," Runner said. "That's clearly significant to people in the central city."
Runner said that while he's seen fliers and other turnout efforts being conducted, excitement for the candidates is likely what is bringing people out rather than GOTV efforts.
"I don't think it's a major organizational push as much as people know who Louis Butler is and that he has strong connections to the community," Runner said. "People know him and they know what they're going to get with him."
-- By David Wise
Labels: 2008 spring election
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