Monday, Nov. 7, 2022
Did Tim Michels say that he will end democracy in Wisconsin?
Tim Michels, the Republican candidate for governor of Wisconsin, said at a campaign stop in Jefferson County on Oct. 31, 2022 that, "Republicans will never lose another election after I'm elected governor."
Michels’ spokesperson Brian Fraley said Michels merely meant Republicans would be rewarded for doing a good job. Earlier in Michel's speech, he said, "After I win this election, we are gonna make sure that (working people) in Wisconsin understand that the Republican Party is their best bet for … better opportunity."
Multiple Democrats and prominent news outlets took issue with Michels' statement, with several commentators interpreting it as hinting at his intentions to restructure Wisconsin's future elections in favor of Republicans.
Michels has proposed dissolving the bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission and signing bills previously vetoed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers that would have added new requirements for voters and election officials.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
- SoundCloud Tim Michels appearance in Jefferson County on October 31, 2022
- Washington Post Candidate promises Republicans can take permanent control of Wisconsin
- AP News In final days, Evers asks Wis. voters to worry about Michels
- WisPolitics Democratic Governors Association: Tim Michels under fire for saying he plans to undermine future elections
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Wisconsin Watch, the news arm of the nonpartisan, nonprofit Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, increases the quality and quantity of investigative reporting in Wisconsin, while training current and future investigative journalists. Its work fosters an informed citizenry and strengthens democracy.
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