Kenosha---With some high-powered help in the house, Democratic congressional candidate Randy Bryce reacted Monday to a new nickname that’s been bestowed on him by his Republican opponent, Bryan Steil.
Bryce told a rally at UAW Local 72 in Kenosha that while his young son thinks that "Radical Randy" is a pretty cool name, the moniker doesn't apply to his policies, including those that cover health care. "My ideas really aren't that radical at all," Bryce said. "I don't think it's too radical to insist that everybody has access to health care," he said to cheers.
Over 500 people attended the rally, headlined by former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. Like Bryce, Sanders supports a single-payer health care system such as an expansion of Medicare.
Sanders, who first met Bryce in Washington a number of months ago, said he was impressed by Bryce's courage to stand up and take on "some of the most powerful political forces in this country." This is Sanders' third visit to the 1st congressional district on Bryce's behalf.
At times, Sanders’ speech at Local 72 sounded like an extension of his presidential campaign, focusing on familiar themes such as tax cuts for the wealthy and a $15 an hour minimum wage.
The U.S. Senator from Vermont also had a few things to say about President Trump. "I believe Trump won this state and many other states because people did not understand that this man is a pathological liar," Sanders said. "He (Trump) will say anything at any time and then change his mind the next day. I doubt very much that he knows the difference between truth and lying."
Both Bryce and Sanders emphasized the need for their supporters to get out and vote Nov. 6th and drag with them any reluctant relatives and acquaintances. Said Sanders: "These are unprecedented moments in American history and each and every one of us has to act in an unprecedented way."
Bryce talked a bit about last Friday’s debate with Steil in Oak Creek, calling it a "fun" time.
Bryce is due to have more ‘fun’ Tuesday evening when he and he and Steil get together for a second debate in Carthage College’s Siebert Chapel. It begins at 7 and is open to the public.
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