Recently, I wrote about Sarah Godlewski being much more visible since Governor Tony Evers appointed her to assume the Wisconsin Secretary of State role after Doug LaFollette ‘suddenly’ resigned. I discussed the possibility that she was preparing to run for Senator Tammy Baldwin’s Senate seat in 2024.
Since then, Baldwin has declared that she is indeed running for re-election. While I still do not buy it, let’s assume she is running. This time around, she will be more much vulnerable than ever before.
The Joe Biden Factor
The embattled President has officially declared that he’s running for re-election, and Democrat enthusiasm for Biden is tanking hourly. Susan Rice has quit, heavy hitters like Hillary Clinton have publicly expressed age concerns, and even the Liberal media is turning on him.
We now have Democrat heavy hitters like Robert F Kennedy, Jr. running for President and California Governor Gavin Newsome posturing for a likely run. On top of that, the Michelle Obama name is being thrown around nearly everywhere— not a sign of Biden’s re-election excitement.
Just look at some recent polls; there is a pattern:
BIden’s approval ratings are anemic and Many Democrats are not excited about his running again. Just take a look at the latest Marquette Poll showing that 57% of Democrats do not want Biden to run; it has increased since a high of 51% in January:
Because of the usual ‘trickle-down’ effect of Presidential races, this will most definitely affect Baldwin’s Senate re-election hopes. Lack of enthusiasm in a swing state like Wisconsin could be an essential factor.
Inflation
Inflation hits close to home, and almost everyone blames the federal government. Unfortunately, Tammy Baldwin has been a rubber stamp for every bad Washington DC policy that has led to this runaway inflation mess. She is a lazy Senator, even by Democrat standards.
People are hurting out there. Prices are up, discretionary spending is down, and discontent is growing. Pocketbook issues like inflation will directly affect Tammy’s chances. Tammy Baldwin’s hands are all over this, and there is no hiding her culpability.
Global Strife
As we look at the world today, it’s plain to see that Biden’s foreign policy is failing. China is saber-rattling over Taiwan and has become emboldened to take the country. Moreover, the inept handling of the Russia / Ukraine situation is edging the world closer to nuclear catastrophe.
Once again, Baldwin has rubber-stamped EVERYTHING, including giving Billions of dollars and substantial equipment aid to Ukraine; while Americans are struggling, she is financing another country’s GDP, to say nothing of increasing tensions with Russia.
All Republicans need to do is remind people of this inept foreign policy and reckless spending that she has fully supported.
Democrat Party of Wisconsin’s Overconfidence
Much like the Republicans in 2018, the Democrats are starting to get cocky.
The Republicans had such a long winning streak in Wisconsin that the party became complacent. The arrogant assumption was that Scott Walker would be a shoo-in; there was no way he could lose. Well, he did lose, and the Democrats were able to take the Governor’s office with one of the most boring candidates in Wisconsin’s history.
The Dems seem to be channeling the attitude of the 2018 Republicans. They have accomplished some significant victories since 2018 and feel unstoppable. This is something Republicans can and should capitalize on with the Baldwin race.
Just read Wisconsin Democratic Party chair Ben Wikler’s own words, where he said, ‘there is a reason so many Republican politicians are hiding under a rug instead of running for U.S. Senate: They know that Wisconsinites trust Tammy Baldwin.’
Winkler has not been paying attention; Republicans have a deep bench, there are at least five contenders whose names have been mentioned as Republican challengers, and there are more to come.
We can use this arrogance to set the Democrats back to what they were in 2010 IF we play our cards right and do what it takes to win. Of course, this means we have to unite behind the ultimate Republican Primary winner.
We also need to focus on things like early voting and ballot harvesting. I recognize that Republicans feel strongly about having ‘Election Day’ and not ‘Election Season’ and that all voting is in person. Unfortunately, this is the hand we are dealt; we cannot focus on the hand WE WISH WE HAD. Nothing will change if we are not in power to change it.
Don’t get me wrong, it will not be easy, but we CAN BEAT Tammy Baldwin; there is a path. Of course, this dynamic changes if she drops out or if Biden is not the Democrat nominee. Both are still genuine possibilities, and either way, Republicans must adapt. Stay tuned.
