In the realm of Wisconsin politics, the echoes of the 2020 presidential election persist, creating a chasm of distrust and misinformation. Amidst this tumultuous landscape, a glimmer of hope emerges through the efforts of two former elected officials, J.B. Van Hollen, a Republican and former Attorney General, and Tom Barrett, a Democrat and former Milwaukee Mayor. These seasoned politicians, representing the bipartisan Democracy Defense Project, have embarked on a mission to restore faith in the integrity of the state’s election systems. Their unwavering commitment to truth and transparency stands in stark contrast to the rhetoric of U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, the official Republican nominee for governor, who continues to propagate baseless claims about the 2020 election.
Van Hollen and Barrett’s recent appearance at Viterbo University in La Crosse served as a poignant reminder that the 2020 election has been thoroughly vetted, litigated, and reviewed, with no evidence of widespread fraud or irregularities. As Barrett unequivocally stated, “The 2020 election has been litigated and relitigated and relitigated over and over again, and nothing has changed.” This assertion directly challenges Tiffany’s persistent narrative, which, despite numerous investigations and audits, continues to cast doubt on the legitimate outcome of the election. Tiffany’s refusal to acknowledge President Biden’s victory, coupled with his unsubstantiated claims of “improprieties,” not only undermines the democratic process but also erodes public trust in the very foundation of fair elections.
Tiffany’s unwavering support for former President Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election has been a consistent theme throughout his political career. His endorsement from Trump earlier this year solidified his position as a prominent figure in the “election denial” movement. Tiffany’s actions on January 6, 2021, when he voted against certifying election results from Arizona and Pennsylvania, further underscore his commitment to this dangerous ideology. His subsequent support for a lawsuit seeking to overturn election results in Wisconsin and other states demonstrates a willingness to subvert democratic principles for political gain. These actions, coupled with his appearance at a closed-door rally with right-wing figures who called for “war” after the January 6 attack, paint a concerning picture of a politician who prioritizes partisan loyalty over the integrity of the electoral process.
The ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to weaponize the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI to “relitigate” the 2020 election further exacerbate the problem of misinformation and distrust. The increased scrutiny of swing states and the questioning of Milwaukee election workers, based on previously debunked allegations, represent a disturbing trend of using federal resources to pursue politically motivated investigations. While Tiffany supports the FBI’s involvement, Van Hollen and Barrett rightly denounce it as a “fishing expedition” and a waste of valuable resources. They emphasize that the 2020 question has been definitively answered, and further investigations only serve to perpetuate unfounded conspiracy theories.
The Democracy Defense Project, spearheaded by Van Hollen and Barrett, is actively working to counter election conspiracy theories by providing factual information about Wisconsin’s decentralized election system. They highlight the crucial role of local clerks in administering elections and emphasize the broad trust these officials enjoy within their communities. Van Hollen aptly points out the paradox of voters respecting local poll workers while simultaneously questioning the overall integrity of elections, attributing this disconnect to a lack of accurate information and the proliferation of misinformation. He candidly acknowledges that while both political parties contribute to the problem, Republicans have been a more significant source of misinformation, underscoring the urgent need for a bipartisan effort to restore public trust.
In a political climate increasingly plagued by division and distrust, the efforts of Van Hollen and Barrett offer a beacon of hope. Their commitment to truth, transparency, and the integrity of the electoral process serves as a powerful antidote to the corrosive effects of misinformation. By shedding light on the facts and engaging in constructive dialogue, they strive to bridge the divides and foster a more informed and engaged citizenry. Their work is a testament to the enduring power of democratic principles and a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, it is possible to uphold the sanctity of our elections and ensure that every vote counts.