On Sunday, the Republican candidates for Governor met for a debate hosted by TMJ4 News and Marquette University. The debate included construction executive Tim Michels, former Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, and State Rep. Tim Ramthun. Business owner Adam Fischer is also running, but did not meet the requirements for the debate.
The decertification of the 2020 election was a major issue posed to the candidates. Tim Ramthun was the only candidate of the three who committed to decertifying the election, if he is elected, as former President Trump has demanded. Tim Michaels stated that “it’s not a priority,” but that he is focused on election reform. Rebecca Kleefisch pointed out that she sued over allowing ballot drop boxes and consolidation of polling places, and that she felt the 2020 election “was rigged.” She also called for the abolishment of the Wisconsin Elections Commission and the creation of a new Office of Election Integrity at the state Department of Justice.
All three candidates focused in on Governor Tony Evers as a target, marking him as weak and ineffective on various issues and accusing him of being too responsive to the state’s teachers union. All three also shared similar opinions on rejecting federal Medicaid expansion, breaking up Milwaukee Public Schools, and supporting the 1849 abortion ban. On tax reform, all three were in favor of some sort of reform. Kleefisch stated that she would advocate for a flat tax that would replace income tax, Ramthun said he would repeal income tax or local school tax levies.
Watch the full debate here: 2022 Wisconsin governor Republican primary debate: Full recording – YouTube
