Senate Republican bullies take out their frustrations on appointees

February 20, 2024

CONTACT:
Sen. Chris Larson
(608) 266-7505

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MADISON, WI - Fresh off the knowledge that their reign as the gerrymandered kings of the Wisconsin legislature may soon be over with the signing of fair maps, Senate Republicans decided to take out their frustrations today on four immensely qualified appointees of Governor Tony Evers, including three women.

Today’s action makes 14 executive appointments to date that Senate Republicans have rejected in just 5 short years. The previous three decades saw just four such rejections. 

It’d be like if you and the high school bully are both going for the last slice of pizza at a party, only he decides to spit on it before handing it over. It seems these Republicans will stop at nothing to degrade the institutions they serve in so long as it gives them the opportunity to score cheap political points with their most extreme base.

Among the appointees Senate Republicans rejected today were a former Lieutenant Governor (Barb Lawton), a former State Rep (Sondy Pope), and two dedicated professionals in the fields of healthcare and natural resources management (Candice Owley and Todd Ambs).

When given the opportunity to explain their opposition to these public servants, the only thing they could point to was a mean Tweet about Fox News by one appointee. Last time I checked, we still had free speech in the United States, and that right extends to appointees - not just the blowhards on talk radio the current majority seems intent on appeasing at every turn.

Our neighbors deserve a government that’s fully staffed and working in their best interest. If today’s display is any indication, we still have a long way to go.

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