The after-election primary parties are not just a chance for candidates to thank supporters, but an opportunity for the winning candidates to rally support for the general election and focus their message for the next phase of the campaign.
And the county is in the middle of two big campaigns. The results of one primary is almost virtually assured: Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and former Mayor Paul Soglin will be moving on to the general election, April 5.
Cieslewicz will greet supporters at Marigold Kitchen, while Soglin will be at the Nitty Gritty. Both will get rolling after the polls close at 8 p.m.
In the race for Dane County executive, it's anybody's guess who will make it through the primary. State Rep. Joe Parisi released a poll last week claiming to be the front-runner. But with five qualified candidates and 20% of the electorate still undecided, the race is wide open.
Here's where you can find these candidates on election night:
- Zach Brandon will be at Bonfyre American Grille on the west side of Madison.
- Eileen Bruskewitz will be at the Coliseum Bar, by the Alliant Energy Center on the south side.
- Scott McDonell will be at the Essen Haus downtown.
- Joe Parisi will be at Talula on the east side.
- Joe Wineke will be at 5th Quarter Sports Bar & Grill in Verona.
These parties will likewise get going after the polls close.