RIPON, Wis. – Supporters greeted Vice President Mike Pence as he arrived for a campaign speech. They cheered. They waved placards. Their horns honked. Among about 70 Pence supporters was Bob Krzysciak. He said felt a comforting kinship in the gathering, something he acknowledged he doesn’t feel at home in Illinois. “There is a big silent majority out there. We’re afraid to come out. We’re afraid to talk because of retribution.” The street in front of the American Legion lodge divided the groups. Among Pence detractor Jacklyn Fischer of Appleton waved a homemade Democratic sign. “We’re seeing now how the social institutions are really broken in our country, and we have a lot of people who when unemployment benefits stop at the end of this month they’re really concerned about how they’re going to pay the rent, and pay the mortgage, and take care of their families.”
Earlier: Ripon tepid on Pence visit