Perhaps it’s time for Republicans to face the facts; Scott Walker lost the governorship in Wisconsin. Same for Bill Schuette in Michigan. But in those two states, the GOP is furiously working to limit the power of incoming Democrats. From NPR:
Just two days after the Nov. 6 election in Wisconsin, when Democrat Tony Evers beat two-term Republican Gov. Scott Walker, Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said a lame-duck session agenda was already taking shape.
And Tuesday, lawmakers are set to vote on a number of bills that would limit Evers’ authority when he’s sworn in.
Wisconsin and Michigan both have Democrats headed to state offices come January.
Now, Republican lawmakers there are working to limit the powers of the newly elected Democrats.https://t.co/8s6ZQJpLhE
— NPR (@NPR) December 4, 2018
The voters in Wisconsin are mad as hell and are protesting at the state capitol. From NPR:
“Shouting “respect our vote,” a large and loud group of demonstrators reminded lawmakers that it was the voters’ will that got Evers into office in the first place.”
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports the GOP is:
- making it difficult for Evers and incoming Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat, to withdraw from the GOP lawsuit challenging Obamacare;
- eliminating Evers’ ability to choose a leader of the state’s Economic Development Corporation;
- limiting early voting in elections to just two weeks (a similar effort was found unconstitutional in 2016);
- moving the state’s 2020 presidential primary from April to March, to potentially reduce the turnout for a state Supreme Court contest set for April;
- and requiring Evers to get permission from state lawmakers to ban guns in the state Capitol.
Protest has begun, as a sea of demonstrators stretches out in the freezing Wisconsin night in front of the Capitol. @NicholsUprising kicks us off. “They are trying to undo democracy!” pic.twitter.com/62ELTWbc5R
— Ben Wikler (@benwikler) December 3, 2018
Republicans have enjoyed a majority in the state house during Governor Scott Walker’s tenure. They are apparently concerned some of their most controversial legislation, such as voter ID laws, will be quickly undone by Democrats come January.
“These Republican legislatures are acting like banana republic dictators, not leaders in a democracy.” – Jared Leopold, Democratic Governors Assoc.
It’s much the same story in Michigan where a lame duck GOP legislature is trying to pass legislation that will limit the power of incoming the Democratic governor, secretary of state and attorney general.
Michigan GOP thinks we are not paying attention. They have introduced bills to take power away from the Governor, Attorney General and Secretary Of State.
This is complete bullshit.
Here’s what YOU can do about it. https://t.co/wMcTB5L4FJ
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) December 2, 2018
GOP power grabs in Wisconsin and Michigan undermine the foundation of our republic. The whole idea of elections is they have consequences. Those who lose live to fight for the people’s vote another day. Trying to change the rules on your way out the door is a national shame
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) December 4, 2018