OPINION:
A democratic socialist will likely win the contested primary in Wisconsin.
Previous wins this year by democratic socialist candidates have been in primaries in deep-blue districts. This would be the first in a swing state and a real test of whether a candidate with such radical views can win in a purple area.
The latest Marquette Law School Poll shows that state Rep. Francesca Hong is gaining support in the primary, with 38% of the vote. Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes is at 16%, while Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is at only 7%. Two other candidates received 2% in the poll.
Of the remaining voters, 34% said they are undecided, with the primary less than two weeks away.
Mr. Crowley previously dropped out of the race and endorsed Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, who then suspended her campaign. Gov. Tony Evers endorsed the leader of the largest county in the state. So far, it appears that the support has not led to a surge in the polls.
When pressed in the poll, 46% of the Democrats surveyed said they were voting or leaning toward Ms. Hong, 21% said they were going for Mr. Barnes, and 11% supported Mr. Crowley. The other two candidates were at only 4%.
If the poll is correct, the primary is all but over — and Wisconsin Democrats will have nominated one of the most radical candidates in the country.
An officer-involved shooting in Madison last week will likely factor heavily in the election. Ms. Hong, who represents part of Madison, went out onto the streets to join the protesters with a bullhorn and called the shooting an “execution.”
Six years ago, Mr. Evers used similar language before major portions of downtown Kenosha were burned to the ground.
After the shooting last week, however, Mr. Evers called for “transparency and accountability.” He also said, “As folks exercise their First Amendment rights tonight and in the days ahead, we urge them to do so peacefully and respectfully.”
He passed the leadership test this time. Francesca Hong failed it.
Per a state law I signed years ago, an independent investigation will be conducted in the officer-involved shooting. What we do know is that a career criminal resisted arrest, officers used a taser on him, and he pulled a knife on them.
The situation is eerily similar to an officer-involved shooting in Kenosha in 2020. On Aug. 23 of that year, Mr. Evers put out a statement that began as follows: “Tonight, Jacob Blake was shot in the back multiple times, in broad daylight, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Kathy and I join his family, friends, and neighbors in hoping earnestly that he will not succumb to his injuries. While we do not have all of the details yet, what we know for certain is that he is not the first Black man or person to have been shot or injured or mercilessly killed at the hands of individuals in law enforcement in our state or our country.”
Police responded to a domestic disturbance call at an apartment complex where Mr. Blake’s former girlfriend lived at the time. She had a restraining order against him. An argument and physical altercation took place, and officers tried to stop Mr. Blake with tasers.
Mr. Blake went to the driver’s side of the vehicle and had a knife. Once all the facts were released, the officer who fired was not charged with any crime.
The Kenosha News criticized Mr. Evers in an Aug. 27, 2020, editorial, writing that his statement “fueled the fire before rioters got here. His insufficient response has put a Wisconsin city and its residents in danger. Now he needs to do everything the state can to help Kenosha and protect its citizens.”
Clearly, Mr. Evers learned from the mistakes made in Kenosha. He put out a responsible statement last week. Ms. Hong, on the other hand, caved to the mob.
This should not be a surprise. After the Kenosha shooting in 2020, Ms. Hong posted on Twitter, “I support defunding the police as a first step towards abolishing the police.” On Oct. 8, 2021, when federal prosecutors said that they would not file charges against the officer in Kenosha, Ms. Hong posted: “Police exist to uphold white supremacy. Defund, then abolish. Reform can’t be an option.”
Democratic socialist Francesca Hong is more than just wrong on economic and political issues; her policies will make us less safe in Wisconsin. The video of her holding a bullhorn on the streets of Madison — being baited by an angry mob into calling the actions of law enforcement professionals an “execution” — should frighten any law-abiding citizen.
It may very well be the image that defines the November elections. It is more than just common sense versus crazy. It is dangerous too.
• Scott Walker is a columnist for The Washington Times. He was the 45th governor of Wisconsin and launched a bid for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. He lives in Milwaukee and is the proud owner of a 2003 Harley-Davidson Road King. He can be reached at swalker@washingtontimes.com.
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