By Kris Leonhardt

MOSINEE – Area residents traveled to Mosinee to show their support, or get a close-up look at President Donald Trump, as the commander-in-chief encouraged local voters to cast their ballots for Wisconsin Republican candidates.

Stratford residents Ruth & Buzz Brenneka cheer from the VIP section of the rally. City Times staff photo

Thousands came out to Mosinee’s Central Wisconsin Airport on Oct. 24 to listen to a line-up of speakers that included Governor Scott Walker, House Speaker Ryan Paul, Congressman Sean Duffy, Kevin Hermening, state senator candidate Leah Vukmir, as well as the president.

In a speech that lasted a little over an hour, President Trump spoke on immigration, the Affordable Care Act, taxes, tariffs, and encouraged votes for Walker and Vukmir.

Many local state representatives were also on hand, such as: John Spiros, Jerry Petrowski, Patrick Testin, and Pat Snyder.

The atmosphere at the rally was likened to a rock concert by local residents, Buzz & Ruth Brenneka, Stratford.

“We’ve never been to a concert and now we are retired all of these years later, so we decided it’s time to go to our concert,” Ruth said, “and this is it.”

Trump is the first sitting president to visit central Wisconsin in 14 years. George W. Bush was the last to visit the Wausau area in 2004.