Posted on

Another recall attempt? Seriously?

Some eight years ago, a group of disgruntled Wisconsin voters attempted to remove Republican Gov. Scott Walker from office through a recall election because they were not pleased with his political posturing. We pointed out then, that was an improper use of the recall process, and should not have been attempted.

Fast forward to 2020, and a group of Wisconsin voters from the other political horizon is gathering signatures to force a recall election for Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, once again, not because he has committed some egregious act against his office or the state, but because they do not like the decisions he’s made. As it was in 2012, it’s wrong now, and it should stop here before much time and money is wasted.

At the crux of the latest recall attempt, which is in the signaturegathering phase of the process now, are Evers’ orders to shut down portions of the state’s business and public activity to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus. That is controversial, granted, as there are plenty of people out there who believe the economy is a higher priority than public heath, or have bought into the “it’s nothing but a hoax” mentality and believe the reports of death and illness are exaggerated, at least. It’s difficult for us to comprehend such thinking, when it’s quite obvious this pandemic is real, but, to each their own. We all must try to respect that others may think differently than we do.

But -- and here’s the point -- disagreement with an elected official’s actions and decisions are not cause for a recall. The intent of laws that allow for a mid-term re-vote is to give electors a chance to remove someone who is so selfserving or even criminal in their agenda that they can’t be allowed to remain in power. In this case -- as it was in 2012 with Walker -- no such situation exists. You may not agree with Evers’ public health orders, but those are the actions taken by the person duly elected by a majority of voters less than two years ago. What’s next? Recalling a state senator because we don’t like the color of the ties he wears?

The 2012 attempted recall of Walker was a farce, especially since the only opponent the opposing side could bring up for office (Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett) was the same guy Walker had beaten to gain office in the first place. Not only did that recall waste an enormous amount of money that could have been used for far better purposes, but it forced a sitting governor to mostly ignore his work so he could retain his seat. In the end, nothing changed. Seriously, we’re going to go through that again so soon?

Keep in mind, too, there were plenty of Republicans in 2012 who said a recall was not the proper way to handle disillusionment with Walkers’ actions as governor. And, if that was true then, it certainly still is now, and any attempt to argue otherwise is pure hypocrisy.

And anyway, as Walker soon learned, if you rule against the people’s will often enough, you get voted out of office. Evers will be up for re-election in 2022. Vote him out then if you must.

Members of the TRG editorial Board include Publisher Kris O’Leary, Editor Dean Lesar, and Carol O’Leary.

LATEST NEWS