Primary Election Shows Wisconsinites Value Freedom to Vote, but GOP Values Extremism

In yesterday’s primary election, Wisconsinites once again showed they value having a voice in our democracy. Unfortunately, we must also acknowledge that - from top to bottom - extremism was on the ballot yesterday.

silhouette of a voter voting by putting their ballot in the a ballot box
silhouette of a voter voting by putting their ballot in the a ballot box

MADISON, Wis. — In yesterday’s primary election, Wisconsinites once again showed they value having a voice in our democracy. Voters turned out across the state to make their voices heard on decisions that will impact our health, our schools, our safety, our pocketbooks, and so much more – and none of it would be possible without the dedicated local clerks and community members working long hours at polling locations to ensure every Wisconsinite’s voice is heard.

“Wisconsin continues to run great, secure elections. Yesterday’s primary was no exception,” commented Mike Browne, deputy director of A Better Wisconsin Together.

Unfortunately, we must also acknowledge that – from top to bottom – extremism was on the ballot yesterday.

“As we look to the general election in November, radically out of touch politicians are continuing to try and divide our communities and distract from the issues that a majority of Wisconsinites care most about,” said Browne.

Like GOP gubernatorial nominee Tim Michels, who has made dangerous remarks on birth control and supports an unpopular, 173-year-old, near total abortion ban that makes no exceptions for cases of rape or incest.

Or Republican Attorney General nominee Eric Toney, who panders to the National Rifle Association (NRA) instead of prioritizing common sense gun reform supported by nearly 80% of Wisconsinites – including 78% of households that own guns.

Also on yesterday’s ballot, Republican Sen. Ron Johnson as of 2019 had received more than $1.2 million in campaign donations and spending on his behalf from the NRA, and is still in Washington D.C. opposing measures to keep deadly firearms out of dangerous people’s possession.

Despite attempts from conservative politicians to spread extremism and divide Wisconsinites, though, Badger State voters have proven they will continue to stand together on issues impacting our local communities.

“In the face of extremism, many voters have rejected and overcome hate-fueled division in the past – and they’ll do it again,” said Browne.

Together, we can come together to oppose the dangerous, divisive, and discriminatory agenda from extremist politicans like Tim Michels, Eric Toney and Ron Johnson. We can demand that all politicians in Wisconsin support the best interests of Wisconsinites – including safe abortion care, an equitable economy, and common sense gun reform.

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A Better Wisconsin Together is a state-based research and communications hub for progressives and is an affiliate of ProgressNow.

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