ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Lieutenant Governor Joins Darling for Final Push

Editor's Note: As the 8th Senate District campaign winds down, Patch is spending part of Saturday and Sunday on the campaign trail with Republican Sen. Alberta Darling and . This is one of two stories and accompanying videos on the last-minute campaigning by the two candidates.

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It has been a political storm that has rumbled throughout the state since February, and on Tuesday voters will send a clear message whether they believe the state is on the right direction or needs a course correction.

On Saturday, with less than 72 hours remaining before the pivotal election, state Sen. Alberta Darling’s campaign offices were a hive of activity as volunteers staged a final push to encourage voters to head to the polls Tuesday. Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch joined Darling to knock on doors throughout the 8th Senate District and campaign on her behalf.

“She (Darling) is a key member of our state Senate team,” Kleefisch said. “She is the one leading the charge for some of our wonderful reforms. It is my commitment to her to help her continue her commitment to the voters in her Senate district.”

Democratic state Rep. Sandy Pasch is challenging Darling for the 8th District Senate seat in what has recently become one of the most heated - and - races in the state.

Six Republican senators face recall elections on Tuesday throughout Wisconsin, and two Democratic senators will defend their seats on Aug.16.

Kleefisch, Darling and a few volunteers bounced from house to house in a Mequon neighborhood handing out literature and meeting voters on a sunny warm Saturday. For Darling, this street was likely very familiar. She said during the campaign she has visited most of the wards in her district twice, if not three times.

In an election where most voters already have decided whom they are voting for, Darling's main goal on Saturday was to make sure voters head to the polls Tuesday.

“Turnout is going to be the key to this whole election, and people know there’s a very clear contrast between Sandy and myself,” Darling said. “I’ve had a great opportunity to go out and talk to taxpayers, and tell them about what I have been doing for them.”

Darling said the sharp contrast between herself and Pasch has inspired most of her nearly 100 volunteers to step onboard and assist with the campaign. For them, it’s about more than just winning the election. I’s about the securing state’s future.

“Our offices have been packed with volunteers. It’s been an incredible show of support and loyalty,” Darling said. “They are doing this because they believe the state needs to stay on the right track.”

Along Main Street in Thiensville, Darling’s campaign office was filled with the sound of phones ringing from every room. Roughly 20 volunteers were sifting through paperwork, typing away on laptops or talking on phones.

Among them was volunteer field staffer Matt Rossetto, who said he has been grinding from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week since June. Although he may be logging a lot of hours, Rossetto said the stakes are too high not to.

“The reason I have stayed engaged is because of how important this whole election cycle is, and how important it is as a conservative to keep control of the Senate,” Rossetto said. “It’s long hours, and it can be kind of  frustrating at times, but ultimately the goal is to win, and if you don’t turn out your people you lose elections. I understand why we are here and I am fully committed.”

Rossetto said by roughly 1 p.m. Saturday volunteers had placed well over 5,000 phones calls. He said their goal by the end of the day was to place at least 10,000 calls.

“We are trying to make as many contacts as humanly possible before Tuesday,” Rossetto said. “This is the big push. Look, Election Day is Tuesday and there’s no excuse for those of us who are engaged to not vote on Tuesday.”