Tipsheet

Priebus: Courage is on the Ballot in Wisconsin

Speaking to reporters during a conference call Wednesday, RNC Chairman Reince Priebus applauded Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker for governing as he campaigned just one week ahead of the June 5 recall election.

"Courage is on the ballot and courage is right next to Scott Walker's name," Priebus said. "We need more people of courage to run for office in this country and to govern as they campaigned."

Priebus welcomed DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz to the state, who is there for what he called a "token visit" and said he looks forward to seeing what their top notch ground game has in store for Tuesday considering the DNC and OFA have been "all over the map" when it comes to their support of Walker's opponent, Democrat Tom Barrett.

So what's the plan for Tuesday and how will the RNC ensure Walker comes out a winner next week? Twenty victory field offices have been set up in the state and the RNC has provided tools on their website for anyone around the country to get involved in the recall election. Not to mention, in just two months, the RNC has contacted 2.5 million voters and has focused on what Priebus sees as a priority: maximizing turnout.

After all, Tuesday's recall election results won't just impact Wisconsin, but the presidential election in November, as well.

"If Walker wins next Tuesday, which we're confident he will, Obama's going to have a much tougher road in Wisconsin this fall," Priebus said. "The confidence of job creators in the state continues to grow in the face of Obama's economy."

Yet the election isn't just affecting the Republican base. Democrats in the state aren't all on the same page, according to Priebus.

"There are a decent amount of Democrats that are being polled in focus groups that are saying, 'We may not be Republicans, but this recall stuff is out of control.' To have a recall over legislative disagreements even to many Democrats is absurd," Priebus said.

In terms of messaging, Democrats, the DNC and Barrett have been pretty mum when it comes to campaigning for collective bargaining rights, because it isn't a message that's working. 

"Democrats aren't talking about collective bargaining in this campaign because it's a dead dog loser," Priebus said.

Walker is currently leading Barrett significantly in the polls.