STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus returned to Wisconsin ahead of November’s election to rally the base around Donald Trump and Ron Johnson during a stop at the Portage County Republican office Tuesday.
Priebus wasn’t surprised by former Bush Administration Secretary of State Colin Powell’s endorsement of Democrat Hillary Clinton over Trump.
Priebus said, “Well, he’s done it before. I guess we’re getting used to it, you could say, so it really isn’t news to us.”
The RNC chair referring to Powell’s endorsement of President Obama in 2008 and 2012.
Priebus still believes Trump has a chance to take Wisconsin, despite consistently trailing in major polls to this point.
He said, “It’s a very independent electorate when it comes to presidential elections. I think everyone can admit, this election has been like none other and the electorate right now is very volatile. In one week, you have polls that say you’re three down, one that says you’re three up.”
Regardless, Priebus doesn’t believe Trump’s campaign will effect Senator Johnson’s chances of retaining his U.S. Senate seat.
Priebus has a past in Wisconsin as the state’s GOP Chairman and having graduated at UW-Whitewater, and he said that national candidates should spend more time in central parts of the state.
“Candidates always make a big mistake by constantly going to Waukesha. They need to get up to Green Bay, Wausau, Eau Claire,” said Priebus. “I think Tommy Thompson taught us that. Hang out in Central and Northern Wisconsin and pay attention to the southwest. That’s something I believe in, and that’s why I’m up here, too.”
Trump drew a crowd of thousands in the Wausau area back in April but has not appeared in Central Wisconsin since earning the Republican nomination. Priebus spoke before an excited bunch at the Portage County office, headed by 24th State Senate District challenger Patrick Testin.