Tim Walz rallies early voters in Manitowoc, highlights job growth

MANITOWOC (WLUK) — Minnesota governor Tim Walz touted job creation in Wisconsin under the Biden-Harris administration’s watch while speaking at a rally in Manitowoc.

During the visit, he gave a one-on-one interview exclusively to FOX 11’s Andrew Mertins.

The Democratic vice presidential candidate also encouraged supporters to vote early for Democrats.

During his speech,Walz offered stark contrasts between the Kamala Harris campaign and the Donald Trump campaign regarding labor unions.

“The defining arc of America’s economic story is people came here to Wisconsin from across the country, from across the world, for a shot at a better future for their families and in the process, they build the engine that built this country. Vice President Harris understands. She grew up in a middle class family, she understands manufacturing jobs are the ticket to the middle class. A ticket that doesn’t require you to go into debt with a college degree. And under her leadership, we’re winning the race to make sure the future is made in America,” Walz said.

Walz said Harris is proud to be one part of what Democrats are calling the most pro-labor administrations in history.

“That’s Kamala’s vision for the entire country, where workers are respected, they’re lifted up, they’re paid and protected and we grow our economy,” Walz said. “Trump’s presidency was an endless string of broken promises. He promised to fight for union workers, repeatedly turned his back on them. He even encouraged companies to move to anti-union states so they could pay their workers less.”

Wisconsin Republicans responded to the visit with the following statement:

With just one week to go until Election Day, state Republicans will continue to talk about the issues that Wisconsinites care about the most, which is the economy, immigration, and crime, while Democrats continue their fear-mongering campaign to pivot away from their disastrous record on the issues. Despite the financial disparity we face from the left, Wisconsinites still trust state Republicans to address these key issues more than Democrats.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman, Brian Schimming also released a statement:

“Try as he may, Tim Walz cannot explain away or distract voters from the last four years of high inflation, open borders, and conflict overseas. He and Kamala Harris have nothing to offer but a repeat of the failed Biden administration,” said Schimming.

After Manitowoc, Walz flew out of Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport and made his way to a campaign event in Waukesha at 2 p.m.

Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly recently endorsed Kamala Harris for president. The once long-time Republican and current independent announced this is his first endorsement of a Democrat, citing concerns over Trump’s leadership.

Walz’ visit comes as Republican Vice Presidential nominee JD Vance spoke in Wausau Monday afternoon and held a rally in RacineMonday evening.

Both presidential candidates will be in Wisconsin on Wednesday.

Former President Donald Trump will be holding a rally with former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre at the Resch Center in Ashwaubenon. Vice President Kamala Harris has a rally with musicians scheduled on the UW-Madison campus.