Presidential Debates Impacting Voter Turnout at Home
Posted at: 10/17/2012 10:41 PM
| Updated at: 10/17/2012 10:46 PM
By: Travis Dill
Eyewitness News spoke ABC Political Analyst Cokie Roberts on Wednesday about the national political scene and its effects on Northland races.
She said that Governor Mitt Romney's pick of Janesville-native Paul Ryan has made the state of Wisconsin a possible game-changer for the presidency.
“The pick of Paul Ryan if nothing else has put Wisconsin in the game for Governor Romney,” Roberts said.
She said local congressional races in Minnesota and Wisconsin will focus on voter turnout.
“I don't think the debates are going to have much of an affect on congressional races, but the president's "Get Out the Vote" drive's going to have a tremendous impact on congressional races. And the fact that Wisconsin is now in play could make a big difference in terms of congressional seats there,” Roberts said.
That would include races like Wisconsin's 7th District battle between Representative Sean Duffy, R-Wis., and Democrat Pat Kreitlow.
Wisconsin Senate race between former governor Tommy Thompson and Representative Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., may also be affected. Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl currently holds the seat, but is not running for reelection.
In Minnesota, one of the most-closely watched races is between Republican Rep. Chip Cravaack and Democratic challenger Rick Nolan. The two debated in Duluth last week.
Roberts said that Minnesota has a history of voting for Democrats.
“Minnesota's has been awfully blue, and I think it's likely to stay blue,” she said.
A recent Eyewitness News-Survey USA poll of almost 600 likely voters showed the candidates were in a dead heat.
Roberts said social media is a new aspect in the political process, and debates, national or local, can hinge on just a few words.
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