Democratic Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced Saturday that he will seek a second term as the state’s governor, ending speculation about the 69-year-old’s plans for the end of his first term in 2022, the Associated Press reports.
Evers said one of the key reasons he’s running for reelection is to serve as a blocker to the radical agenda promoted by the Republican-dominated state legilature, who have tried to push through everything from voter suppression to anti-choice laws.
“Even though I haven’t played much hockey, I have come to appreciate the role of being a goalie,” Evers told the AP.
Evers entered office already besieged by Republican obstructionism. The legislature and former governor, Republican Scott Walker, passed and enacted a series of laws specifically designed to limit the authority of Democrat Evers. Largely with his hands tied, Evers was still able to get major legislation passed regarding education reform. Republican have blocked popular legislation relating to other key issues like including police reforms, gun control, improving the state’s unemployment system and expanding Medicaid.
One point that Republican will harp on with Evers is delays it took him to enact unemployment relief for people impacted by the coronavirus vaccine. Applications were slow to be processed, leading to thousands being delayed in getting benefits.