By Jennifer Eisenbart
Editor
In an event that was equal parts Republican fundraiser and meet-and-greet, 2016 Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio visited Burlington ast week.
State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos set up the event, which served as a fundraiser for Assembly Republicans as well as for Vos himself. It also featured a roundtable discussion for a select group of 20 people, moderated by radio talk show personality Charlie Sykes.
Among those who paid $2,500 for one of the 20 seats at the roundtable were Burlington’s Frank Cannella – of Cannella Response Television – and David Lynch of Lynch auto dealerships.
The $50,000 raised there went to the campaign coffers for Assembly Republicans. All money earned from photo opportunities – $100 for a photo with Vos or $500 with Rubio – and from the reception that followed went to Vos’ campaign fund.
Vos said Monday evening that between 350 and 400 mostly local people attended the event. Also in attendance were about 20 legislators from across the state, including area Republican state Reps. Tyler August and Samantha Kerkman.
“They wanted to hear what Marco Rubio had to say and wanted an opportunity to meet him,” Vos said.
All the legislators had an opportunity to have their photo taken with Rubio, and got a few minutes to talk with him.
Vos said that after Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker chose to exit the race, it became a clear choice of whom he would support. Vos and 19 other state legislators (including Vos, August and State Sen. Van Wanggaard) endorsed Rubio in his presidential run.
The reasoning, he said, has to do with Rubio’s political stands and also his upbringing.
“I just think Sen. Rubio is what you want in a candidate,” said Vos, adding that Rubio’s appearance Monday reinforced he is “not a stereotypical Republican.”
“Even if you’re a Democrat, you have to respect that Sen. Rubio is a life story where you can start with humble beginnings and make it all the way to the White House,” Vos added.
Vos explained that Rubio’s parents were immigrants who worked blue-collar jobs. He put himself through college and law school.
As an example, Vos said Rubio made a point of stopping to have his photo taken not only with the people who paid.
“He’s just that kind of person,” Vos said. “I have been involved in the Republican Party for more than 35 years. I have watched candidates come and go.
“The candidates I am attracted to are hopeful, passionate, articulate and have a plan to do things that I support when they win,” he added. “As I look at the field, Sen. Rubio certainly embodies all of those traits.”
State legislators endorsing Marco Rubio, per Assembly Speaker Robin Vos’s press release in October
Assembly Majority Leader, Rep. Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna); Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. Tyler August (R-Lake Geneva); Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette); Rep. Scott Allen (R-Waukesha) ; Rep. John Jagler (R-Watertown); Rep. Adam Jarchow (R-Balsam Lake); Rep. Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay); Rep. Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa); Rep. Mike Kuglitsch (R-New Berlin); Rep. Bob Kulp (R-Stratford); Rep. John Macco (R-Ledgeview); Rep. Dave Murphy (R-Greenville); Rep. Mike Rohrkaste (R-Neenah) ; Rep. Ken Skowronski (R-Franklin) ; Rep. David Steffen (R-Green Bay) ; Rep. Paul Tittl (R-Manitowoc); Rep. Travis Tranel (R-Cuba City); Rep. Tyler Vorpagel (R-Plymouth) ; Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine).
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