U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders joined Democratic congressional candidate Rebecca Cooke in Eau Claire on Sunday, Oct. 25, for a get-out-the-vote rally and canvassing event.
The event was held nine days before the Nov. 3 midterm election, in Cooke's rematch against Republican incumbent Rep. Derrick Van Orden in western Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District.
Sanders and Cooke focused on affordability, government accountability and rural hospitals, according to event organizers. Sanders described the election as exceptionally consequential, calling it the most important midterm election in modern history.
Cooke told supporters she believed a united effort could flip the seat and help Democrats win control of the House.
Van Orden's office criticized Cooke for campaigning with Sanders, describing the senator as a "millionaire socialist" and saying his policies would mean bigger government and higher taxes. The statement also accused Cooke of misrepresenting her working-class background.
