Wisconsin at the center of the political world, 4 years ago

In the two weeks leading up to the 2016 Wisconsin primary, most of the leading contenders for president campaigned in La Crosse County.  There were three Republicans and two Democrats left in the race at that point.  Ohio Governor John Kasich was first to the area on Monday, March 28th, campaigning at River Steel in West Salem.  Republican Kasich was helped at that rally by former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson.  Tuesday was Hillary Clinton’s day in La Crosse.  Mrs. Clinton spoke at Western Technical College, but got more attention in social media by pouring herself a beer at La Crosse’s Pearl Street Brewery.  Hillary’s remaining Democratic rival, Bernie Sanders, drew a crowd to the Omni Center in Onalaska that Wednesday night. 

On the day before the primary, Republican Donald Trump rallied supporters during a Monday morning speech inside the La Crosse Center.  Trump would return to La Crosse later in the year as the Republican nominee.  Ted Cruz did not get to La Crosse before the primary, but sent Utah Senator Mike Lee to represent him at an event on French Island, in 2016, Yesterday in La Crosse.