Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers: Let Voters Decide Trumps Fate, Dont Disqualify

Wisconsins Democratic Governor Tony Evers opposes disqualifying Trump from the ballot, suggesting voters decide his fate through their votes. Evers advises Biden to focus on middle-class issues and frequent Wisconsin visits to secure victory.

Wisconsin's Democratic Governor Tony Evers has expressed his opposition to keeping former President Donald Trump off the ballot in the upcoming presidential election in the battleground state. Evers believes that those who think Trump should be disqualified can simply vote against him.

Evers' Advice for Biden's Wisconsin Strategy

In an interview with The Associated Press, Evers emphasized the importance of President Joe Biden making frequent visits to Wisconsin and focusing his message on his accomplishments and issues that resonate with the middle class, rather than solely emphasizing the argument that democracy is at stake.

Legal Challenges to Trump's Candidacy

Evers' comments come ahead of a lawsuit filing on Friday that seeks to remove Trump from the ballot in Wisconsin. This follows similar actions taken in Colorado and Maine, where Trump's involvement in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot led to his exclusion from primary election ballots due to concerns about unconstitutional insurrection.

Evers Acknowledges Trump's Disqualifying Actions, Trusts Voters' Judgment

Democratic activist Kirk Bangstad, who initiated the Wisconsin lawsuit, acknowledged the unlikelihood of its success but felt compelled to make the attempt. Evers acknowledged that Trump's actions may be seen as disqualifying, but he trusts voters to make their own judgments and vote accordingly.

Biden's Age as a Concern, but Focus on Accomplishments and Wisconsin Visits

Evers acknowledged concerns about Biden's age but believes he can win by demonstrating to younger voters why they should care. He emphasized the need for Biden to highlight his accomplishments, such as infrastructure improvements and efforts to replace lead pipes, and to make frequent visits to Wisconsin.

Wisconsin's Electoral Significance and Biden's Investments

Democratic US Representative Mark Pocan echoed Evers' sentiments, urging Biden to visit Wisconsin to showcase his investments in infrastructure, broadband expansion, and efforts to combat inflation and climate change. Pocan emphasized Biden's understanding of Wisconsin's importance and his willingness to visit the state.

Wisconsin's History of Close Presidential Elections

Wisconsin has a history of close presidential elections, with four of the past six elections decided by less than a percentage point. Biden narrowly defeated Trump in 2020 by fewer than 21,000 votes, a margin of less than 1 percentage point. Trump had previously won the state by a similar margin in 2016.

Biden's Frequent Visits and Vice President Harris' Planned Event

Biden has made seven visits to Wisconsin during his presidency, most recently in December 2022. Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to kick off a series of nationwide events focused on abortion rights in Wisconsin on January 22, coinciding with the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision.

Public Support for Abortion Rights and Biden's Age

Polls in Wisconsin have indicated broad, bipartisan support for legalized abortion. However, a recent Marquette University Law School poll revealed that 79% of registered voters perceived Biden as "too old to be president," compared to 51% for Trump. Despite this, Biden and Trump were running neck-and-neck in the poll.

Evers Anticipates a High-Energy Campaign and Smooth Election

Evers predicted a high-energy campaign but expressed confidence in the state's ability to conduct a smooth and secure election. He highlighted ongoing preparations at the state and local levels to ensure a disruption-free voting process.

Processing Absentee Ballots Earlier to Avoid Delays

Evers expressed support for a bill that would allow local elections officials to process absentee ballots the day before an election, which he believes would prevent delays and alleviate concerns about late-night ballot releases. The bill requires Senate approval before it can be signed into law by Evers.

Concerns about Election Violence and Trump's Rhetoric

Evers acknowledged concerns about potential violence at the polls, overly aggressive poll watchers, and disruptions in the ballot count. He criticized Trump's calls for pardoning those involved in the January 6 Capitol attack, his false claims of a "stolen" election, and his threats to use the federal government against political opponents.

Trump's Unsuccessful Legal Challenges and Fake Elector Scheme

Trump's efforts to overturn his 2020 defeat in Wisconsin resulted in numerous unsuccessful lawsuits. The state was also involved in the scheme involving fake electors who attempted to cast ballots indicating Trump's victory, which is now the subject of criminal charges against Trump and his associates.

Evers Criticizes Trump's Rhetoric and Encourages Voting

Evers expressed disappointment in Trump's insistence on declaring himself the winner unless the election is "stolen" from him. He viewed this as a compelling reason to vote against someone with such an attitude.