Governor of Minnesota and Vice-Presidential candidate of the Democrat Party Tim Walz visited the UW-Superior campus on Sept. 14 on his campaign tour. The event was held at the Marcovich Wellness Center and inside of Mertz Mortorelli Gymnasium.
Walz talked about the policies that if elected he and Vice President Kamala Harris would enlist to benefit the American people while also disparaging former President and Republican GOP nominee Donald Trump’s plan for America. Walz added in reference to his running mate that, “In her entire professional career, she’s had one client: the American people.”
Wisconsin is a crucial swing state in the election that is up for grabs by both parties in the election. With polls showing razor thin margins in the state, Walz aimed at grabbing those votes. Especially in Douglas County, which went to President Joe Biden in the 2020 Presidential election.
Walz delivers his remarks in Mertz Mortorelli Gymnasium on the UW-Superior campus to a crowd of 1,400 people on Sat. Sept. 14.
Photo: Jon Pearson | The Promethean
Other speakers at the event included Superior’s mayor Jim Paine and Walz’ wife Gwen, but introducing the governor was Isabella Lyste, a sophomore History major at UW-Superior. Lyste says that it was a total surprise that she would be introducing the Governor. “On Thursday I was asked if I wanted to participate in the rally at all and I thought it would be as a volunteer,” said Lyste.
From there, Lyste found out that she would be speaking Friday morning and got her speech later that night. Lyste found out she would actually be introducing the governor the morning of the event. “It was a huge honor to be up on stage with him as I have so much respect for what he has done for Minnesota,” said Lyste.
In the crowd among the estimated 1,400 people in attendance for the rally was Justin Esala. Esala, in his senior year at UWS, says that the visit was important due to the locality of Superior to Minnesota and targeting a younger demographic of voters. “As you’re getting younger voters on campus, it is important to reach them and given that it was at the MWC, it might get more new voters out to actually vote,” said Esala.
Lyste also advocates for going out to vote. “I have a firm belief that it is a part of your civic duty to go out and vote and have your heard,” said Lyste.
As for Walz, the stop on campus comes in the middle of a busy campaigning schedule and preparation for his Oct. 1 debate against Vice Presidential candidate of the Republican Party JD Vance. Less than two months remain from the upcoming Presidential Election on Nov. 5.
To register to vote, Jackets Vote can help students on campus register and find their polling locations. Jackets Vote can be found tabling around campus in the next coming weeks and in Swenson Hall 1061.
