Searching for unity: Democrats remain divided on presidential nominee at state convention

ASHWAUBENON -- Still divided by their own presidential primary, Democratic party leaders try to bring their party together in Ashwaubenon this weekend, mostly by saying what they stand against.

"Who was the candidate who wanted to build a wall to Mexico (Trump!) I think we've just said the name of the GOP nominee more times than it was spoken at the GOP convention," said U.S. Representative Mark Pocan.

Democratic leaders spent lots of time talking about the other party's presidential candidate, and very little time on their own candidates, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.

As they try to retake the state legislature this fall, their strategy: tie Wisconsin Republicans to Trump.

"Paul Ryan has endorsed Donald Trump! What a surprise! They're all going to endorse the 'Trumpster,'" said State Representative Peter Barca.

With the party still fractured over the Sanders-Clinton race, neither of the top Democrats in the Assembly or Senate mentioned them.

Over the convention's first hour, only the party chairwoman did.

"I'll take Senator Bernie Sanders or Secretary Hillary Clinton as president of the United States any day," said Martha Laning, Democratic party chairwoman.

Martha Laning

It took another hour

"Paul Ryan has endorsed Donald Trump! What a surprise! They're all going to endorse the 'Trumpster,'" said State Representative Peter Barca.

Neither of the top Democrats in the Assembly or Senate mentioned Clinton or Sanders. Instead, they focused on Trump and Governor Scott Walker.

Peter Barca

The party's chairwoman mentioned the Democratic presidential candidates -- only to compare them to Trump.

"I'll take Senator Bernie Sanders or Secretary Hillary Clinton as president of the United States any day," said Martha Laning, Democratic party chairwoman.

U.S. Senate candidate Russ Feingold draws a distinction between Democrats and Republicans.

"I'm proud of our candidates, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders," said Feingold.

Russ Feingold

Although praising both Clinton and Sanders, Feingold has not endorsed either one. That's because even if Sanders' supporters don't get behind Clinton, Feingold needs them behind him in a tight race against Republican Ron Johnson.