Trump to rally in Waukesha on Wednesday
In another sign that the presidential race may be tightening in Wisconsin, officials confirmed that GOP nominee Donald Trump will be coming to Wisconsin on Wednesday.
The New York real estate mogul will speak at an evening rally at the Waukesha County Expo Center in Waukesha on Wednesday, said Pete Meachum, Trump's state director. Meachum said the event starts at 6 p.m.
This week's Marquette University Law School poll shows Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton leading Trump by 44% to 42% among likely Wisconsin voters, the closest the race has been in the state.
By coming to Wisconsin next week, Trump will no doubt be trying to shore up his support in Waukesha — two days after the first presidential debate, at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. Trump lost badly to Texas Sen. Ted Cruz in Wisconsin's GOP presidential primary in April, performing especially poorly in southeastern Wisconsin.
Gillian Drummond, spokeswoman for Clinton's campaign in Wisconsin, criticized Trump's planned visit to Wisconsin, saying Clinton is the one who "will make a real difference for Wisconsin families."
"She'll work with Democrats and Republicans to get results for Wisconsinites while Donald Trump has made it clear he is only interested in dividing our country with his offensive rhetoric and dangerous policies," Drummond said.
In ultra-red Waukesha, presidential choice gives voters the blues
A week later, one of Trump's sons — Donald J. Trump Jr. — is to be the featured guest at a fundraiser at the Milwaukee home of Andy Nunemaker, CEO of Dynamis Software Corp. The private event will be held Oct. 4.
"Please send me a personal message if you would like to attend. $250 per attendee or $1,000 if you want a photo!" Nunemaker posted on his Facebook page recently. Also hosting the event will be Bobby Kraft, CEO and founder of New Edge Marketing.
Nunemaker contributed $1,000 — two $500 checks — to Clinton's campaign on June 21. Nunemaker said he has since given $1,000 to Trump and plans to give more.
"I was actually undecided until a month ago," Nunemaker said Friday. He said he gave the donations to Clinton "partially as a favor to friends" who wanted him to attend an event sponsored by her campaign.
So far, Nunemaker said Trump's campaign has received commitments totaling $100,000 for the private fundraiser at his house.
Contact Daniel Bice at (414) 224-2135 or dbice@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter @ DanielBice or on Facebook at fb.me/daniel.bice.