As Republican presidential hopefuls prepare to take the debate stage in Milwaukee, Wis., one of their Democratic rivals spoke of a different debate-prep strategy.  

“This is my preparation,” Sen. Bernard Sanders, I-Vt., told the swarm of reporters who surrounded him at a worker strike at the U.S. Capitol Tuesday morning. “I get energized by standing with people who are struggling.” Capitol food service and maintenance workers joined contract workers from other areas of the federal government, going on strike to push for a $15-an-hour wage and union representation. Sanders has joined the workers at several Capitol rallies, and the wet weather and cool temperature did not keep him away from Tuesday’s event.  

Sanders does have a few days left for any additional debate prep, though. The next Democratic primary debate is scheduled for Saturday in Des Moines, Iowa.  

Meanwhile, it appears his Senate Republican colleagues who have their eyes on the presidency are focused on their faceoff Tuesday night. Marco Rubio of Florida, Ted Cruz of Texas, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina were all absent for Senate votes Tuesday morning.  

Related:

Capitol Workers Call Out Rubio, Cruz Ahead of Strike

What to Watch for in the GOP Presidential Debate


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