More Republicans voted for someone other than Tim Michels in last Tuesday’s gubernatorial race. This should be a challenge to Michels and to those who recruited and propped him up as he echoed inch-deep talking points and rhetoric in a $12 million self-funded primary campaign geared towards manipulating low information voters.
These voters evidently didn’t question the conflicts associated with Michels’ part-time Wisconsin residency nor were they bothered by his surrogates who smeared and slandered his opponent Rebecca Kleefisch and her family in the days leading up to the election. Michels’ voters either didn’t care or were unaware that lobbyists and special interest groups (with whom Michels claimed he had no ties) labeled a full-time Wisconsin citizen and accomplished and dedicated former conservative Lt. Governor as a ‘communist’ for wanting to bring Wisconsin products and industry to China to help benefit our state’s farmers and economy. Evidently, his supporters were unconcerned about Michels’ ties to lobbyists whose main objective was to fortify themselves on Wisconsin taxpayers through the increase of the state’s gas tax and opposition to landmark legislation like Right to Work, prevailing wage reforms and Act 10, which has benefited taxpayers to the tune of more than $15 billion.
What must Michels do now to beat Governor Veto? It’s not a simple feat. Michels must strive to win over the 365,875 voters that didn’t vote for him in the Republican primary, 80% of whom voted for Rebecca Kleefisch. Every vote won this November will be crucial – as Tony Evers was elected by less than 30,000 votes in 2018.
How can Michels do it? By establishing a full-time presence in Wisconsin and personally working hard to build relationships with those that didn’t vote for him. Now that he’s won the primary, he must prove that he’s the force leading his campaign. Michels must demonstrate that he will be the decision-maker in the governor’s office, rather than the special interest groups, lobbyists and insiders that are behind his candidacy.
Michels needs to immediately and unequivocally sign a statement pledging that if elected, he will divest himself from his family company. And while he is in the governor’s office, no State of Wisconsin government contracts will be awarded to Michels Corporation. Additionally, he must sign a pledge that states that he will only commit to supporting and signing pro-taxpayer legislation that is fiscally responsible and constitutionally conservative. He must demonstrate that he will protect the taxpayers from the bloated government special interest groups – thus limiting the role of state government and promoting free markets – and free citizens to flourish.
Michels must honor his pledge to continue to self-fund for the duration of this campaign, thus proving that he is not indebted to any special interest groups, lobbyists or government insiders. By continuing to self-fund, he can demonstrate that the money that he and his family business have earned through government contracts on the backs of Wisconsin taxpayers is worth reinvesting in his campaign, revealing his devotion to the citizens of Wisconsin.
It’s time Tim Michels walk the talk of his primary campaign promises – something conservatives like me can stand behind and support.
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