Wisconsin delegates convened Monday to kick off the Republican National Convention, hearing from speakers and preparing for the day’s events. Many members of the delegation are still unsure of their support for presumptive nominee Donald Trump and are looking to this week’s events to cement their support of the business mogul.
Speaker Paul Ryan kicks off morning event
House Speaker Paul Ryan addressed the Wisconsin delegation in the first of the daily breakfasts for Badger State politicians, media and guests. In the speech Ryan did not mention Trump but he did underscore the House Republican "Better Way" platform.
"What we seek to achieve in the election is giving people a choice," Ryan told the delegates. "So many people turn on the TV and see a food fight … they see all this acrimony. What we’re saying is there is a better way."
The bulk of his speech was spent touting policy measures, including welfare reform, national security and winnowing the tax code. He praised the Wisconsin state Legislature and Gov. Scott Walker for their work.
"We in Wisconsin want our government to work for us," Ryan said. "And we want to elect people who say what they’re going to do and do it."
One notable absence from the breakfast? Walker, who spent the morning addressing the Iowa delegation. The fact was not lost on Ryan, who roasted the governor for his absence.
"Oh, he's in Iowa? He's not even here," he joked.
Walker will visit the Iowa and South Carolina delegations this week ahead of his Wednesday address to the entire convention.
Delegates’ opinions on Trump remain divided
Despite talks of unity among Republicans, the big question for Wisconsin delegates remains: whether they will be supporting controversial nominee Donald Trump and, if so, to what degree.
Delegate and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, backed Trump in May and called for party unity, as he attempts to maintain his majority in the state Senate come November.
"I think unity is happening, it seems like people are moving in that direction," Fitzgerald said. "People understand he will be the nominee. That brings people together over the down-ballot races."
State Sen. Howard Marklein, R-Spring Green, said that while he was bound to support Texas Sen. Ted Cruz in Cleveland, many people in his district voted for Trump.
"I feel good, people are coming together," Marklein said. "Donald Trump won a good part of my senate district and I think he will have stronger support in my part of the state than a lot of people think."
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, said that he was "half way" on the "Trump train" and said that he would use the platform and speakers this week to reconsider his stance.
"The more we show that Donald Trump has that strong, specific vision for America, the more people like me will be able to get on board," Vos said.
Vos endorsed Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz in the primary.
