With just over two weeks until the election, politicians poured into Madison to tailgate with students, alumni and fans to root for the Badgers and get their messages heard.
U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., spoke to the Labor Tailgate at Vilas Park to show the difference between himself and his Republican opponent, Oshkosh manufacturer Ron Johnson.
""The choice is clear,"" Feingold said. ""I don't think I have to argue that I am more on your side than he ever will be.""
Feingold was quick to criticize Johnson's support of trade agreements like NAFTA and his general economic policies.
""He admires the Chinese economy, a managed economy?"" he asked the crowd. ""I thought he was for free enterprise.""
He also brought up issues of particular importance to students, including financing higher education and health-care reform.
""These are two things Mr. Johnson wants to take away from young people. They've finally got something, and they deserve it,"" he said.
Feingold noted Johnson's absence from UW-Madison while on the campaign trail.
""My opponent is hiding,"" he said. ""He said he wanted to get off the sidelines, but he's hiding under the bleachers.""
Republican gubernatorial candidate Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker was at Camp Randall to tailgate and shake hands with Badgers.
Walker discussed looking forward to working with Chancellor Biddy Martin as governor and sees their goals for the university as compatible.
""The more we can give power at the local level, the campus level, the more we can make decisions on procurement, purchasing things that will actually help keep tuition down and still keep this one of the best universities, really, in the world,"" he said.
