Wisconsin Democrats weigh in on whether President Biden should stay in race

(WLUK) -- President Joe Biden was back on the campaign trail Friday saying it is full steam ahead, but do local Democrats want him to remain the party's candidate for President after a shaky debate performance?

“It was in many ways hard to watch,” said Kristin Lyerly, the Democratic candidate in the 8th Congressional District race. “President Biden didn’t have a lot of energy. President Trump was struggling to come up with the truth in many ways.”

Lyerly's take the day after the first Presidential debate is along the same lines as many others. However, she is set to be on the ballot with President Biden this November, hoping to win Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District seat vacated by Republican Mike Gallagher.

FOX 11 asked Lyerly if Biden should be replaced as the party’s candidate.

“That's not for me to say,” said Lyerly. “What I'm focused on is my district. I'm focused on what the people of Northeast Wisconsin need and want.”

FOX 11 followed up by asking Lyerly if it would be easier for Democrats if the candidate for President didn’t have questions about his health and his capabilities.

“It would be easier for all of us if we didn't have two candidates that were so challenged at this point in the Presidential race,” said Lyerly. “I think that's the concern that a lot of Americans are facing right now.”

Democrat Tammy Baldwin will also be on the ballot with Biden as she tries to get a third term in the U.S. Senate.

FOX 11 asked Baldwin's campaign for a statement about the debate and whether she feels Biden should remain the candidate for Democrats.

“Tammy Baldwin is running her own race for the people of Wisconsin,” said Andrew Mamo, a spokesperson for Baldwin’s campaign, in a statement. “Her focus will always be on showing up across the state, listening to working Wisconsinites, and fighting to make their lives better.”

Governor Tony Evers, who isn't up for re-election, is clearer about his level of support for Biden.

“One debate doesn’t change how President Biden has delivered for Wisconsin over the last three and a half years,” said Evers. “I supported President Biden four years ago, and I support him still today.”

Lyerly says Biden was spot on if you focus on what was said in the debate.

She is set up to face the winner of a three-way Republican primary for the 8th District seat. Those candidates are Andre Jacque, Roger Roth and Tony Wied.