Cooke campaign: Rebecca Cooke builds unmatched ground game and coalition ahead of August 13 primary

Contact: 
press@cookeforwisconsin.com

EAU CLAIRE, Wisc. – Across Wisconsin’s Third District, Rebecca Cooke for Congress has built an expansive field program ahead of next week’s August 13 primary.

In the final weeks of the primary, Team Cooke has:

• Knocked over 5,000 doors;

• Made over 90,000 voter contacts through phone calls and texts;

• All powered by more than 50 active volunteers.

Cooke continues to build upon her 2022 campaign strength, having won a majority of counties in WI-03 despite being significantly outspent. This is a testament to the resonance of her message and ability to build authentic connections with rural voters Democrats historically struggle to win. Rebecca’s farm-raised foundation, focus on service in western Wisconsin, and lived experience connect with voters across the board.

“Our team has invested in an unmatched ground game to reach voters where they are and communicate the high stakes of this election. Our strong, growing coalition of support —a Cooke Coalition— includes union workers and organizations, farmers, small business owners, teachers, and more, who are all ready to elect Rebecca, a clear champion for working families,” said Alex Obolensky, campaign manager for Rebecca Cooke for Congress. “Democrats are energized and understand the importance of nominating a candidate with the profile and ability to mobilize the coalition it will take to defeat Derrick Van Orden in November. Rebecca stands out as the only candidate in this race who can uniquely do that and win.”

Working people, community advocates, small business owners, and opinion leaders agree: Rebecca Cooke is the clear choice for Congress in Wisconsin’s Third District:

• Pat Raes, SEIU Wisconsin President: “Every member of SEIU Wisconsin knows the value of showing up. Everyday our members show up to their jobs and keep Wisconsin’s businesses, governments and healthcare facilities moving. Rebecca knows the power of showing up too, as she has always shown up for us on the picket line and in conversations with management. We could not be prouder to support Rebecca Cooke in this election. We know that she will stand by us in Washington as our next member of Congress.”

• Linda Hinton, CWA District 4 Vice President: “CWA is pleased to endorse Rebecca’s campaign for Congress, and we look forward to working with her, both during the campaign and as Congresswoman.” 

• Eugenia Podestá, Wisconsin Economic Development Board Member: “Rebecca’s work on the Wisconsin Economic Development Board helped small businesses throughout Wisconsin succeed.” 

• Bill Kaplan, longtime Wisconsin State Journal columnist: “Cooke has waged a campaign based on firsthand knowledge of the 3rd CD, on the issues, with energy, passion and a work ethic unequaled. The Cooke campaign has all the building blocks for success: addition not subtraction wins a House race in a swing district, which means engaging all voters, no matter where they live or who they previously voted for. In a CD with sparse newspaper coverage, Cooke deftly uses social media to reach tens of thousands of Wisconsinites. Her videos are creative and hard-hitting. Moreover, Cooke has endorsements aplenty from labor unions, local small businesses, teachers, healthcare workers, local elected officials, national groups and members of Congress. Then there’s fundraising… national Republicans are already attacking Cooke and ignoring her primary opponents… Cooke is the clear frontrunner in the Democratic primary because she fights for regular folks, inspires voters and knows what it takes to win.”

• Tom Nelson, former Outagamie County Executive: “Cooke can help flip the House & win rural Wis for Dems up/down ballot!”

• Barbara Lawton, former WI Lt. Governor: “Rebecca Cooke has the right experience, perspective, and priorities to stand up for our values and deliver results.”

• Erin Klaus, Eau Claire Small Business Owner: “I’ve known Rebecca for years, and she gets it. That’s why I’m voting for her. Rebecca is a working-class woman with local roots who has run her own small business and helped other businesses grow and succeed. She’ll have the right priorities in Congress and help our main streets flourish.”

• Angie Whelan, Ellsworth Small Business Owner: “I’m proud to support Rebecca Cooke because she relates to the people in our state who work hard for peaceful, fulfilling lives. She has shown through her experience she will always put the needs of our communities first. Our current leaders are grossly out of touch and we need and deserve a voice in Congress that is both strong and kind, one who has a history of pulling together resources to get things done. Rebecca understands the challenges facing entrepreneurs, small business owners, and the working people who keep our quality of life strong and vibrant.”

• Gabe Brummett, UPS Teamster, Eau Claire: “I have driven for UPS for 15 years as a proud member of the Teamsters Union. For several years, I was the driver for Red’s Mercantile. I helped Rebecca keep her business running through the pandemic by meeting her on the side of the road to exchange packages. We’ve talked a lot about workers rights and the dignity in blue collar work. I know she will work to get the PRO Act passed. Rebecca is authentic in her promises to support working families. As a working class candidate, she is one of us. She is the best of us. She’ll fight for a $15 federal minimum wage, expand healthcare access and take on big corporations price gouging consumers. It’s time we send one of our own to DC.” 
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• Charlie Warner, Rural Mondovi: “My six granddaughters deserve the same choices I had. Without quality medical attention I would not have survived Toxic Shock —TWICE — and a horrifying ectopic pregnancy. Support Rebecca Cooke because she will work to restore our RIGHTS and keep politicians out of our medical decisions!” 

• Tom Krajewski, Onalaska: “The future of our republic relies on members of Congress who are committed to our democracy. That’s why I am behind Rebecca Cooke. Rebecca can beat Van Orden and will stand strong for our democracy.”