Economy, key issue for Wisconsin voters

2024-08-15 18:50:36, Kosova & Bota CNA

Wisconsin is one of the undecided states where the presidential race is critical for both Republicans and Democrats. VOA correspondent Kane Farabaugh reports on what motivates voters as the campaign in this state intensifies.

When VOA met Gonzalo Perez, the owner of a restaurant in Wisconsin, in 2017, he expected a big increase in business.

"It's like I won the lottery," he said in 2017.

His optimization was based on plans that the Taiwanese company 'FoxConn' would build a factory for the production of televisions, not far from his restaurant. The plan was to hire up to 13,000 workers who Mr. Perez thought might go to his restaurant. But his dreams and FoxConn's plans didn't come true. Now, FoxConn's plant in southern Wisconsin employs fewer than 1,000 people.

"The promise was never fulfilled," Mr. Perez says now.

Instead of a restaurant full of customers, Mr. Perez is left with empty tables, understaffing and rising costs due to inflation.

"The economy is really bad," he says.

"I think the main concern for a lot of voters is how they're going to cope with the rising cost of living," said Bob Wittke, a Republican Wisconsin lawmaker.

The district that Mr. Wittke represents in the state assembly is near Mr. Perez's restaurant and the FoxConn factory. While the economy is a priority for voters, he says that voters are also disappointed with the lack of cooperation between the legislators of the two parties.

"Voters of both parties complain that we don't work together. They say that we are not achieving anything".

Nick Ramos is the director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, which he says is focused on "good government" in the state. The organization recently participated in successful efforts to change the state assembly redistricting map. According to him, voters express concern about the future of American democracy.

"My hope is that regardless of who wins the presidential election, the winner should not only express the desire, but also do everything possible to protect democracy and find ways to improve it," he told VOA. Mr. Ramos.

Wisconsin is as divided a state as any other part of the country. Republicans and Democrats in this state, however, agree that success in this election depends on the ability to convince residents to participate in the elections.

"Today I ask you in Wisconsin, are you ready to start working", said the Democratic candidate for president, Kamala Harris, during the rally in this state.

Recent polls show Ms. Harris has a slight lead over Republican rival Donald Trump.

"A vote for Trump is a vote to save Wisconsin and the country," says former President Trump.

The owner of the restaurant, Gonzalo Perez, has not attended any election rally and has not met any of the candidates.

"The way of life doesn't change, no matter who wins. I have to work 7 days a week, same schedule, pay taxes regularly. He doesn't see any benefit," he says.

Mr. Perez says there is one factor, however, that will influence his decision on who to vote for.