U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin kicked off her “One Year to Win” reelection campaign in Richland Center, Friday, and cut the ribbon for the locallyowned Democratic Party headquarters in the process.
It was an overcast, mild fall day for an event that had multiple meanings for both partisan and non-partisan residents alike in the county.
First came the ribbon cutting for the Democratic Party headquarters by Baldwin. Baldwin was introduced by former county board vice chair Shaun Murphy-Lopez, who talked about her history-making rise as an openly gay legislator. Then Baldwin spoke about the key role Wisconsin is supposed to play in the 2024 election.
“It’s not an accident the GOP is focused on this state,” Baldwin said, pointing out the Republican Party convention next year will be held in Milwaukee.
Baldwin didn’t focus much on partisan politics, Baldwin said Congress is working to make health insurance, pharmaceuticals, and Medicare costs effective. Baldwin said steps are being taken now so the U.S. health care system can negotiate for drug costs just like other countries.
She emphasized that “buy American policies” were key to continuing on a path of economic success.
She said battles continue to be fought against “extremism” in Congress and in the Supreme Court.
She said legislation, often requiring a “supermajority” of voters in the Senate, is passing including the Respect for Marriage Act.
Baldwin said she stands on the shoulders of the people who have supported her.
“We must continue to move forward,” she said.
Richland Center Mayor Todd Coppernoll said Baldwin was focused on Richland Center as she and her staff have been working with local officials for a year-and-a-half on the new hospital project.
Coppernoll said the hospital project will take considerable infrastructure improvements that can be aided by federal assistance.
Baldwin has helped with “real things that people need to live,” Coppernoll said.
Baldwin was in Richland Center for more than an hour and spent time talking with the 100 or so people gathered at the event at the North Main Street location.
Richland Center became the first stop on Baldwin’s election tour by pitching the idea to her campaign.
“It’s quite an accomplishment to have her here at our headquarters for our ribbon-cutting on the first stop of her re-election campaign,” Pat O’Boyle of the Richland County Democratic Party said.
The Democratic Party has had its headquarters at 900 N. Main St. since 2008. Murphy-Lopez said this past year 35 people made an investment into an LLC that purchased the property and turned it over to the local Democratic Party. Now Richland County is one of only three in the state where the local Democratic party headquarters is locally-owned by the party.
