Bernie Sanders campaigning for Heath Mello was 'a colossal mistake,' UNO professor says
Paul Landow, a political scientist and a former Democratic mayoral staffer, called it a “colossal mistake” to bring in Sanders.
“Why do you bring an ultraliberal into a moderate city to campaign for a moderate candidate for mayor?” Landow said. “Bernie Sanders is not going to do anything to expand your base.”
The mayor’s race is officially nonpartisan. But the election became more partisan when the former Democratic presidential candidate appeared with Mello.
His visit came on the heels of a primary election that was a surprise even to Mello’s campaign, with him finishing only 3 percentage points behind the mayor. On Tuesday, Stothert won by close to 7 points.
The Sanders event brought some national attention to the race, but not all of it was positive. Sanders was criticized by some national Democrats for endorsing Mello, who opposes abortion.
The following week, Stothert brought Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican who receives praise from conservatives and criticism from unions. Walker said he wanted to inject some “Midwest values” back into the race.
Stothert and her staffers said her campaign started getting more positive responses after Sanders’ appearance.
http://www.omaha.com/news/politics/city-election/bernie-sanders-campaigning-for-heath-mello-was-a-colossal-mistake/article_28603bdc-3591-11e7-93b9-137182190462.html