Why Wisconsin? Milwaukee hosts GOP, then Democratic candidates in race for White House

MILWAUKEE -- Fresh off the New Hampshire primary, there was a lot on the line for the two Democratic presidential candidates on Thursday night, February 11th. Hillary Clinton was looking to bounce back, while Bernie Sanders was hoping his momentum would continue.

Milwaukee in November played host to the Republican presidential candidates -- who debated at the Milwaukee Theatre.

On February 11th, the Democratic presidential candidates faced off on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, chair of the Democratic National Committee

"We're here because we're continuing to plant a flag in every region of the country, not ceding any ground to the Republicans. Wisconsin is a battleground state -- which by the way we have consistently won," said Debbie Wasserman Schultz, chair of the Democratic National Committee.

But who will the Democratic presidential nominee be this year?

The "spin room" was working even before the debate started -- as Hillary Clinton's supporters tried to calm the waters for their candidate after a lopsided loss in New Hampshire this week, during the first-in-the-nation primary.

Senator Tammy Baldwin

"Two states down. One victory, one loss," said Senator Tammy Baldwin, talking about Clinton's loss in New Hampshire and win in the Iowa caucuses.

Baldwin and Congresswoman Gwen Moore were at the debate at UWM on Thursday.

Congresswoman Gwen Moore

"This is a primary. Let it run its course. This is a primary. After the primary is over, I doubt very seriously if Bernie Sanders enthusiasts are going to go vote for Donald Trump, or Ted Cruz," said Moore.

As Democrats hope they'll be able to continue their momentum in Wisconsin and win the White House in April, Republicans are trying to do something that hasn't been done since 1984 -- win Wisconsin.

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