MILWAUKEE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The political spotlight shines on Wisconsin this week as the Republican National Convention kicks off Monday in Milwaukee.
After Democrats missed out on having their convention in Milwaukee four years ago during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, tens of thousands of Republicans will be enjoying the city this week.
About 15,000 of them were expected to make their way to the Summerfest grounds for the Red, White and Brew Welcome Party Sunday evening.
The tone of the convention is different than originally expected after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. However, organizers say the event will continue as scheduled – something Trump has said he believes is the right thing to do.
Forty-one Wisconsin delegates are among the 2,429 delegates charged with nominating Republicans’ choice for president. Among them are big names such as former Govs. Tommy Thompson and Scott Walker. There are also local party officers such as Republican Party of Door County Chair Stephanie Soucek.
“It’s just going to be a neat experience I feel to be part of history….everyone coming together and just like-minded individuals fighting for those things we believe in,” said Soucek.
Soucek says she was one of seven people in the 8th Congressional District who ran to be one of the district’s three convention delegates.
Wisconsin’s delegates will start each day with a breakfast at their hotel to talk party business and hear from convention surrogates.
Fiserv Forum is the hub for the convention with official business and unofficial gatherings often lasting late into the night.
“I was told by somebody who was a delegate in 2016 just make sure you get some sleep,” said Soucek.
While nominating former President Trump is a foregone conclusion, one bit of intrigue with this year’s convention is the likely announcement of his running mate.
“I think we need someone who is going to be conservative,” said 6th Congressional District Rep. Glenn Grothman. “So many times Republicans run on a less government ticket and then they grow government. I think George Bush would have been an example of that.”
Grothman says he’s looking forward to showing Republicans from all across the country what Wisconsin is all about.
“Introduce them to Wisconsin cheese, introduce them to Wisconsin beer and just catch up on their view of politics from wherever they’re from,” said Grothman.
This is the first time Wisconsin is hosting a Republican National Convention.
While the Democratic National Convention barely had a presence in Milwaukee four years ago, the city joins an exclusive list of 18 cities to host both parties’ national conventions.
Democrats are holding their national convention next month in Chicago. It starts Aug. 19.
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