Republican VP candidate JD Vance speaks at crime, safety rally in Wisconsin

KENOSHA, Wis. (WLS) -- Both parties are making a point to spend time in Wisconsin, a crucial swing state in the upcoming election.

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Sen. JD Vance hosted his second visit to the state in just five days Tuesday. Last Friday, he was in Milwaukee speaking to law enforcement.

On Tuesday, he spoke in the shadow of the Kenosha Courthouse on crime and safety.

The event was moved at the last minute from inside the courthouse to the park across the street to accommodate a bigger crowd.

Organizers said they expected about 200 invited guests to listen to the Republican vice presidential candidate speak.

Some Kenosha residents said crime and the economy are big concerns for them.

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The city is still recovering from civil unrest four years ago.

Vance arrived around noon, as former President Donald Trump paid a visit to Michigan to campaign.

"I basically live in Wisconsin now. You'll be seeing me a lot over the coming months," Vance said.

The Trump campaign received an endorsement Tuesday from the Kenosha Police Association.

"Law enforcement knows who is on their side; they know Donald trump is the one who is actually going to stand up and support them," Vance said.

Many who attended still hold painful memories of the August 2020 protests that broke out after the police shooting of Jacob Blake.

"We were at a very scary time here in Kenosha four years ago. And it was a scary time when I felt unprotected by my local government," undecided voter Sally Herrmann said.

And while most in the crowd were Trump supporters, others said they came to listen to what the candidate had to say, hoping for some clarity on the issues that are important to them.

"Say what you mean and mean what you say. None of the just trying to get a vote stuff. Wouldn't that be amazing?" Wisconsin voter John Gulzow said.

Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, have also planned visits to the state.

Both are scheduled to be in Milwaukee for a rally and watch party on Tuesday night.