State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Press Release

Senate Republicans getting desperate

GOP leader wants to ban Democratic candidate from serving

By - Feb 2nd, 2016 12:52 pm

MADISON – In a desperate and unprecedented effort to rig local elections, Senate Republican Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) has proposed changing state statutes to block Winnebago County Executive Mark Harris, a Democratic candidate in the 18th Senate District, from serving in the legislature.

“It’s a sad commentary on the priorities of the Republican Party when political attacks take precedent over bills to help working families,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “Voters should be free to pick the candidate they believe best represents their values. This latest effort to rig elections and prevent local citizens from supporting the candidate of their choosing is another sign of Republican politics run amok in Wisconsin.”

The bill (LRB 4109/1) would block locally elected officials from serving in the state legislature. When asked about the proposal in an interview, Sen. Fitzgerald admitted that “Harris’ candidacy was the impetus for the bill.” Since taking power in 2011, Republican leaders have attacked Wisconsin’s open record laws, dismantled the non-partisan Government Accountability Board, gutted campaign finance protections, exempted politicians from John Doe criminal investigations and gerrymandered legislative districts.

“Wisconsin families are tired of the increasing corruption and misplaced priorities of Republican legislators,” added Shilling. “This power grab reflects a fundamental lack of respect for our democracy and Wisconsin voters.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

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5 thoughts on “Senate Republicans getting desperate”

  1. Mike Carey says:

    Scott Fitzgerald should be removed fro office for a blatant misuse of power.He admits it. Clearl, using your office to stop someone from running for public office is abusive.

  2. Darren Skotnes says:

    Scott Fitzgerald must vacate his seat now, so Wisconsin can make the first step to regaining the Democratic legislatures by replacing Fitzgerald’s seat with a Progressive Democratic candidate.

  3. John Compton says:

    Continue the fight, it truly is amazing the level of hipocracy that the current leadership of our state has sunk to. When it serves them it’s alright. Maniowoc county exec. did this for years, but of course he was caucusing with the republicans.

  4. MK says:

    Voters can’t be TOO tired of this nonsense – they keep voting these fools in.

  5. Michelle Monokarlsefni says:

    Wisconsin politicians .. Best that money can buy.

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