U.S. Sen Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., visited Kenosha on a low-key, “meet and greet” campaign tour Monday afternoon where she met and listened to lunchtime diners at the Gateway Cafe.
Accompanied by state Rep. Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, and aides, Wisconsin’s junior senator made no formal speech, but visited tables shaking hands and lending an ear to some who were seated in a wing of the crowded restaurant at 3619 30th. Ave.
Her audience consisted mostly of middle-aged and senior citizens with a smattering of younger people who wanted to meet her.
Baldwin walked into the restaurant to the applause of many, one of whom had a a campaign sign on her lap. Another, Carol Zaruk, paused Baldwin long enough for photograph and a chance to read from a list of topics she hoped the senator would be able to address during her tenure in Washington.
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Among Zaruk’s concerns were Social Security, Medicare, fighting tax cuts for the wealthy and concerns with environment protection issues.
Baldwin is seeking re-election to a second term in the U.S. Senate, a seat she won in 2012. Prior to serving in the senate, she served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives representing the Second Congressional District.
Prior to going to Washington, she served three terms in the Wisconsin Assembly representing the 78th District.
Before leaving, she paused for a few moments for a reporter’s questions. She said the people told her their concerns about several things, including the effects of the tax cuts, the agricultural economy in the light of tariffs and trade concerns, as well as apprenticeship programs to help ease the workforce shortage.
“I hear all the time that employers are having trouble finding the workers they need to fill positions,” she said. She noted she is supportive of a partners act to expand apprenticeship, especially for small businesses that may not be able to afford such programs on their own.
Having a mother who suffered from opioid addiction, Baldwin said she supports programs to make opioid and overall drug treatment affordable.