I suspect a tactical "lie".
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It is very telling that Obama did not come to the state, especially when he was next door doing multiple campaign parties. In Nov, the local dems will be so happy for him to show up asking for their vote.
The point is, a strong GOP local support system is now in place. They believe they can turn the state for Romney in Nov and the Romney campaign believes it, so they will spend time and money in Wisconsin. There will be an overflow effect, either result will be a positive. Either Obama will have to spend money and campaign in a state that was “in the democrat column” but no longer is, or better yet the GOP actually wins the state, a net 20 electoral vote gain. (i.e., 10 ev out of democrat column, 10 ev up for GOP)