EDITORIAL: Wisconsin extends beyond Eau Claire

Irrespective of how you feel about the outcome of Tuesday’s primary, many area voters today are left with the bitter taste of isolation — like northwestern Wisconsin doesn’t exist.

The original Superior Days was spun because residents felt ignored in Madison. Years of hard work have gradually heightened the area’s profile among state politicians. Presidential primary candidates, however, must have been told Wisconsin ends at Eau Claire. That’s as close to Superior as their campaigns ventured in 2008.

Pundits will argue candidates must appeal for votes in the largest metros. Distance considerations will also arise. And Republicans might say far northwestern Wisconsin is a liberal stronghold, so why bother.

But that doesn’t leave area residents feeling less like outcasts during the nation’s primary, which in Superior feels more like a “virtual election” than the real thing.

Tags: vote, superior, days, madison, republican, demoncrats