Mrs. Obama’s participation in the campaign comes at a critical junction for the Democrats and the upcoming November midterm elections. With the increase in support for Tea Party candidates and a few GOP insiders seeking to take back both the House and Senate, Mrs. Obama may play a significant part in whether or not incumbent Democrats retain control of both houses on Capitol Hill.
Some have estimated that the first lady may potentially be able to raise as much as $20 million for Democrats. This would give them a substantial financial edge over many Republican newcomers.
Mrs. Obama’s schedule will include stops in Wisconsin, Illinois, Colorado, New York, Washington state and California and will commence on Oct. 23. Her first stop in Wisconsin will be for Sen. Russ Feingold, who according to the latest polls, is down by about five percentage points. It is expected that she will be important in attracting the youth, women and African American voters, groups that are needed if the Democrats have any chance of maintaining their majorities.
Polls note specifically that 43 percent of women who describe themselves as Democrats say they would be more likely to support a candidate backed by the first lady. Thirty nine percent of minorities indicate they will back a candidate if backed by Mrs. Obama.
Mrs. Obama will campaign for Alexi Giannoulias, who is seeking the Illinois Senate seat once held by her husband. The first lady will also stump for Sen. Michael Bennet (Colo.), Patty Murray (Wash.) and Barbara Boxer (Calif.). –torrance stephens, ph.d.
