Democratic Lt. Governor candidate Henry Sanders, who also happens to be Vice Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin Black Caucus, sent a message to Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker yesterday demanding an apology to the people of Wisconsin. Sanders’ message was sent after Jill Bader, the communications director for Walker’s gubernatorial campaign, retweeted a racially-tinged video purported to be President Barack Obama’s response to Walker setting up an anti-train website. To date, Scott Walker has failed to condemn Bader’s actions while offering no apology for her behavior in the four days since the incident.
Here’s the text of Sanders’ message to Walker:
Dear Scott:
In my years of experience as an executive, I have learned that I am responsible for the people I hire. When someone on my team makes a mistake, the buck stops with me. I am disappointed that you do not seem to have learned the same.
On Monday, two of your senior staff used a popular internet tool to distribute a video that can generously be called insensitive. This action offended many Wisconsinites. It was disrespectful to our President, who was visiting our state at the time, and an embarrassment to you, your party, and all of Wisconsin.
In tough times like these, Wisconsin needs real leadership. We need a leader who is focused on creating jobs. We need a leader who deals with the challenges of today, not someone who is playing the same old and tired political games with divisive, childish attempts at humor.
Leadership is about having real plans and taking accountability when someone on your team makes a mistake. So far, you have failed to demonstrate that you possess either of those traits.
You have failed to condemn their actions and you have failed to apologize. This is simply unacceptable from a man who thinks himself qualified to be our next Governor.
Now is the time to lead, Scott. The buck stops with you! I think you know what you need to do – man up, accept responsibility and apologize to the people of Wisconsin.
Sincerely,
Henry Sanders, Jr.
If I were Henry Sanders, I wouldn’t be holding my breath while waiting for an apology from Scott Walker, because he’s never demonstrated a willingness to be held accountable for anything he – or the subordinates he has under him – have said or done.
Outstanding letter from Henry Sanders, Although I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for responsibility or leadership from walker.