Contact: TJ Helmstetter, tjh@wisdems.org
Other Governors including Republicans Baker and Hogan Have Pulled Guard Units from Border While Walker Remains Silent
Earlier today, Scott Walker’s spokesperson issued the following statement following calls for Walker to follow in the steps of fellow governors of both parties and reverse his decision to send National Guard troops to the US-Mexico border:
“Wisconsin’s National Guard troops are on administrative assignments, and the cost is being paid for by the federal government. The policy related to individuals seeking asylum is a federal policy, and those with concerns should contact their federal lawmakers.”
In other words, he dodged the question.
Yesterday, Governor Charlie Baker of Massachusetts, a Republican, announced he would not send troops from his state’s guard unit in light of the Trump administration’s “cruel and inhumane” family separation policy. Today, governors of both parties, including Gov. Roy Cooper (D-NC), Gov. Ralph Northam (D-VA), and Gov. Larry Hogan (R-MD), followed suit.
“Other governors from both parties have pulled their National Guard units, but Governor Walker refuses to help stand against the cruel and inhumane practice of separating children from their parents. His office’s response to concerned Wisconsin parents pleading with him to help was a non-response. Governor Walker owes Wisconsin a real response and real action.” — TJ Helmstetter, Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesperson for 2018 governor race
