The latest Marquette Law School Poll shows third party candidates have gained a foothold in Wisconsin. Local 5’s Kris Schuller spoke with voters about the poll and why they support candidates outside of the mainstream.

In this years race for the White House – presidential candidates named Clinton and Trump are familiar with most voters. Now a new poll shows those also named Johnson and Stein are gaining support.

“If you don’t like your choices among Democrats or Republicans – that increases the opportunities for third party candidates,” said Michael Kraft, a political expert.

The most recent Marquette Law School Poll shows in a four-way race for president among likely voters Hillary Clinton had 41 percent support and Donald Trump 38 percent, while Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson got 10 percent and Green Party candidate Jill Stein 4 percent.

Johnson’s campaign chair in Wisconsin says it’s that ground swell that brought Johnson to Milwaukee to rally support Thursday.

“People are fed up with their choices and of course we believe 100 percent that Gary Johnson is the best choice,” said Phil Anderson.

The poll did show among registered voters 63 percent viewed Trump unfavorably and 58 percent felt the same about Clinton. But political expert Michael Kraft says for third party candidates, it is not really about winning.

“Third party candidates historically in the political system have served the function of shaping the two major parties,” said Kraft. “They are not a challenge to the two major political parties, they are a pusher.”

Parties which have found support in this campaign’s dissatisfied electorate.

“I attribute it to the fact we are dissatisfied with the other candidates and the general public starting to get dissatisfied with the way the country is going,” said Dan Hasse, a voter offering his thoughts on the poll.

“I think it is just an overall dissatisfaction with how politics has turned in the last few years,” said Claire Cagnolatti, another voter questioned about the poll.