Originally I was going to let this go figuring it would blow over in 24 hours…but it hasn’t. Yes, the Democrats in Wisconsin ran the table on statewide offices. But we didn’t gain anything in the legislature…so as Speaker Vos has clearly pointed out…we will be living with a split government for the next two years.
But outside of the Baldwin/Vukmir race, the winning margins were rather small. 1.2% in the case of the governor’s race…just over 30,000 votes out of a total of 2.6 million.
Despite the GOPs disclaimer that the vote wasn’t a signal for change…it certainly is…it isn’t the overwhelming victory some people are crowing about.
No, I am not trying to ruin the celebration…it is an accomplishment…and I too will be happy to see Governor Walker leaving office. I’ll hoist a Spotted Cow along with you!
But let’s be civil about it. The fact that Speaker Vos and Senate Majority Leader Fitzgerald are already talking about limiting the governor’s powers should tell you all you need to know. They are nervous and testy and intimidated. So we don’t need to gloat in their faces. (we do need to keep them from this latest threatening tactic)
We need to be ready to put forth the agenda that Tony Evers and Mandela Barnes ran on…and we need to explain it to everyone in the state…and explain what it actually will mean to them…and why it’s a good thing. And let the Republicans defend their no votes.
Preexisting conditions is a sore point in Wisconsin. Sell the Medicaid expansion. We saw record educational referenda on Tuesday. Work Mr. Evers education plans. There is a lot of work to do because the GOP will obstruct most everything on the Evers platform. Let’s use our energy there.
But tone down the gloating, the crowing, the in your face gestures and headlines. This is another opportunity to go high.
Maybe so, but no more Walker.