LA CROSSE (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Democratic Party of Wisconsin gathered in La Crosse over the weekend for their statewide convention and the recent reversal of the Roe v Wade decision was first on the mind of many attendees.
“2022’s election is going to be remembered for the next generation as the election that came after Roe was overturned,” said Josh Kaul, Wisconsin attorney general.
Two goals top the list for democrats, as the party gathered for its two day convention at the La Crosse Center; keep Governor Tony Evers in office, and boot U.S. Senator Ron Johnson out.
Democrats are hoping to energize their base after Roe v. Wade’s reversal.
A new poll by CBS News and You-Gov shows 52% of voters calling it a step backward. 31% say it’s a step forward, and 17% say its neither.
When it comes to enforcing Wisconsin’s strict 1849 abortion law, current lawmakers spoke on their takes.
“I will provide clemency to any physician that is charged under that law,” said Governor Tony Evers.
“It does not serve the health and the safety of Wisconsinites to enforce a 19th century abortion ban,” said Kaul. “We are not going to do it at the Wisconsin Department of Justice.”
But the issue isn’t just for those running for re-election.
Democrat Alex Lasry, running to unseat republican Senator Johnson, upping the issue on his campaign priorities.
“We need to end the filibuster to codify Roe v. Wade,” said Lasry. “My daughter Eleanor, she’s just 10 months old and when I look at her, I’m not thinking of November, I’m thinking 10 to 20 years from now. Will she grow up in Ron Johnson’s Wisconsin? Where politicians rob women of their right to make their own health care choices?”
The President’s party typically loses seats in midterms, making November elections an uphill battle for the party.
Plus, with inflation concerns rising, and president Joe Biden’s approval dropping, that uphill battle will continue into the fall.
The primary election will take place on August 9. The general election will be November 8.