Democratic Leaders, Both State And National, Tout Party Message Before Debate

State and national Democratic Party leaders spoke to reporters prior to Thursday night’s primary debate in Milwaukee, touting their party’s message while harshly criticizing that of the Republicans.

Democratic National Committee chair Debbie Wasserman-Schultz said that presidential candidates Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton can appeal to diverse groups of voters as they campaign in larger states like Wisconsin. She said that stood in contrast to the GOP field, which she said “seems to be really focused on taking this country in the most extreme right-wing direction possible.”

The chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, Martha Laning, echoed Wasserman-Schultz’s statements. She said that despite the close contest between the Democratic candidates, the party was far from split.

“The Democrats are excited about having two candidates that are better qualified and have a stronger message than anyone in the entire Republican field,” said Laning.

Laning said Democrats want to invest in the middle class, try to increase wages and make sure the economy grows for everyone.

Laning’s message stood in contrast to that of Wisconsin Republican Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, who told reporters that Democratic voters are, in fact, divided.

The Wisconsin Republican Party, for its part, has said the two Democrats offer broken policies that would merely double down on the failures of President Barack Obama’s administration.

DNC chair Wasserman-Schultz also took time to comment on Wisconsin’s Senate race while speaking before the debate, calling incumbent Sen. Ron Johnson “one of the most extreme, right-wing, appalling members of the United States Senate.”