Wisconsin’s Sports Stars: Weighing In On Election Campaigns

In the lead-up to the elections, both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are turning to Wisconsin’s beloved sports stars to boost their campaigns. This strategy is unique, as neither has fully used it in other states. Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre will join Trump at a rally in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. Favre played in the NFL for 20 years, mainly with the Packers, leading them to 11 playoff runs and two Super Bowl appearances. Recently, Favre revealed his support for Trump and golfed with him in 2022. He has also been open about his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease and his involvement in a Mississippi welfare scandal, though he denies any wrongdoing. Trump’s former attorney, Eric Herschmann, handled Favre's civil case.

Meanwhile, Harris’ campaign has enlisted Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers. Rivers, an NBA All-Star and top-15 coach in league history, is co-chairing “Athletes for Harris” with NBA legend Magic Johnson. He recently campaigned with second gentleman Doug Emhoff for Harris in Wisconsin. Rivers features in a new ad that highlights Trump’s past comments about Milwaukee and the unfulfilled promises of Trump’s Foxconn deal. In 2018, Trump announced Foxconn, a manufacturing facility, near Milwaukee with promised tax credits and job creation. The deal fell through, leaving an empty site. President Biden recently visited, announcing Microsoft’s takeover of the property, criticizing Trump’s deal as a “con. ” Adding a musical touch, Harris’ Madison rally features artists Gracie Abrams and Mumford and Sons. Both campaigns are leveraging Wisconsin’s sports stars to potentially sway local voters.

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