People in Monroe still talk about the day in the summer of 2004 that Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry unexpectedly came to town to have a beer. It was the first time a presidential candidate had been to the city in 44 years.
Locals here wonder whether any candidates will come around during this election season.
Of course, Kerry's visit came during the general election campaign, well after the primary season. But the focus right now is on the hotly-contested Democratic and Republican party primaries.
Will Wisconsin matter in that process?
The presidential primaries here are now fewer than four weeks away. Whether Wisconsin will have an impact on determining the parties' nominees remains to be seen. But it certainly seems more likely now than it did a couple of weeks ago.
The Democratic primary in South Carolina on Saturday is likely to have only a small effect on that party's race. Barring a highly unlikely upset win, former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina will become an non-viable candidate, cutting the Democratic race essentially down to two candidates - Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama.
But the Clinton-Obama battle isn't even likely to be decided on "Super Duper Tuesday" - Feb. 5, when Democrats weigh in in 22 states.
The Republican Party's nomination very likely could remain in play after Feb. 5, as well. Right now, Arizona Sen. John McCain and former governors Mitt Romney of Massachusetts and Mike Huckabee of Arkansas are sharing front-runner status; although, Huckabee seems to be slipping as the race moves to a more national scale. Lurking in the Florida Everglades is former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who could emerge as a serious threat again if he wins in the Sunshine State next Tuesday. It's hard to imagine one candidate out of those four gaining enough traction on Feb. 5 to put away the other three candidates.
Between "Super Duper Tuesday" and Feb. 19, there only are primaries or caucuses in seven states - only four of them for both parties and none of them larger states.
And on Feb. 19, Wisconsin is the only state with primaries for both parties. There also is a Democratic primary in Hawaii and a Republican primary in Washington.
So if Feb. 5 fails to establish clear favorites in either party - something that looks more and more likely as the campaign speeds along - the Minhas Craft Brewery might just want to set aside a Lazy Mutt or two for candidates.
Who would be most likely to have a beer in Monroe, or limburger cheese at Baumgartner's - as Teresa Kerry did in 2004? We'll let you guys debate that one!
Locals here wonder whether any candidates will come around during this election season.
Of course, Kerry's visit came during the general election campaign, well after the primary season. But the focus right now is on the hotly-contested Democratic and Republican party primaries.
Will Wisconsin matter in that process?
The presidential primaries here are now fewer than four weeks away. Whether Wisconsin will have an impact on determining the parties' nominees remains to be seen. But it certainly seems more likely now than it did a couple of weeks ago.
The Democratic primary in South Carolina on Saturday is likely to have only a small effect on that party's race. Barring a highly unlikely upset win, former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina will become an non-viable candidate, cutting the Democratic race essentially down to two candidates - Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama.
But the Clinton-Obama battle isn't even likely to be decided on "Super Duper Tuesday" - Feb. 5, when Democrats weigh in in 22 states.
The Republican Party's nomination very likely could remain in play after Feb. 5, as well. Right now, Arizona Sen. John McCain and former governors Mitt Romney of Massachusetts and Mike Huckabee of Arkansas are sharing front-runner status; although, Huckabee seems to be slipping as the race moves to a more national scale. Lurking in the Florida Everglades is former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who could emerge as a serious threat again if he wins in the Sunshine State next Tuesday. It's hard to imagine one candidate out of those four gaining enough traction on Feb. 5 to put away the other three candidates.
Between "Super Duper Tuesday" and Feb. 19, there only are primaries or caucuses in seven states - only four of them for both parties and none of them larger states.
And on Feb. 19, Wisconsin is the only state with primaries for both parties. There also is a Democratic primary in Hawaii and a Republican primary in Washington.
So if Feb. 5 fails to establish clear favorites in either party - something that looks more and more likely as the campaign speeds along - the Minhas Craft Brewery might just want to set aside a Lazy Mutt or two for candidates.
Who would be most likely to have a beer in Monroe, or limburger cheese at Baumgartner's - as Teresa Kerry did in 2004? We'll let you guys debate that one!
