A Legacy of Decline

As Wisconsin stands at a crossroads, it's worth taking a moment to reflect on the impact of Governor Tony Evers' tenure. What began with promises of progress has instead left our great state facing challenges on multiple fronts. Let's examine the troubling legacy that eight years under the Evers administration has created for Wisconsinites.

Failed COVID Response: Overreach and Economic Damage

When crisis struck in 2020, Governor Evers responded with heavy-handed measures that crossed constitutional boundaries. His "Safer at Home" order and mask mandate exceeded his authority as governor, setting a dangerous precedent for executive overreach.

The human cost of these policies cannot be overlooked. Between 10-15% of Wisconsin's small businesses—the backbone of our local economies—were forced to permanently close their doors as a direct result of these lockdown measures. Behind each shuttered storefront were dreams deferred and livelihoods destroyed, casualties of policies that prioritized control over common sense.

Kenosha Chaos: Leadership When It Mattered Most

During what Democrats euphemistically labeled the "Summer of Love" in 2020, Kenosha erupted in riots that threatened lives and destroyed property. Despite urgent requests from local officials for National Guard assistance, Governor Evers' response was woefully inadequate—deploying just 125 Guard members and rebuffing additional federal support offered by then-President Trump. While buildings burned and citizens lived in fear, Wisconsin needed decisive leadership but found hesitation instead.

The Veto King: Partisan Obstruction

Governance requires compromise, yet Governor Evers has shown little interest in working across the aisle. In the 2021-2022 session alone, he vetoed an astonishing 32% of GOP-passed bills. While crying that "The Maps are Rigged," he simultaneously worked to redraw district boundaries in ways that would benefit Democrats—revealing that his concern was never about fairness, but partisan advantage.

The Tax Burden: Fiscal Irresponsibility

Under Evers' watch, Wisconsin's tax climate has deteriorated to 37th in the nation according to the Tax Foundation's 2023 analysis. More troubling still was his budget proposal containing tax increases that would have lasted over 400 years—a multi-generational burden revealing his administration's preference for taxation over responsible fiscal management.

National Embarrassment: Wisconsin on the World Stage

At the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Governor Evers stumbled through Wisconsin's delegate announcement for Kamala Harris in a manner that drew uncomfortable comparisons to President Biden's speaking difficulties. Meanwhile, his proposal to replace the term "Mother" with "Inseminated Persons" in official state documentation left many Wisconsinites questioning whether their governor's priorities aligned with their values. https://x.com/DanODonnellShow/status/1948446734499098801 

The Bottom Line

After eight years under Governor Evers, Wisconsin faces a troubling legacy across multiple fronts. From unconstitutional COVID policies that devastated small businesses to delayed riot responses, from record-setting vetoes to poor fiscal management, his administration has left Wisconsin with the 37th worst tax climate nationally and a burden that Wisconsin families will shoulder for years to come.

As we look to the future, Wisconsinites deserve leadership that respects constitutional boundaries, works across partisan lines, and prioritizes prosperity over politics. The Evers legacy serves as a reminder that elections have consequences—consequences that extend far beyond a governor's time in office.