Republicans slammed Gov. Tony Evers’ decision to withdraw Wisconsin troops from the southern border, accusing him of putting politics ahead of the nation’s safety.
The guv issued an executive order yesterday to “promptly” remove the state’s National Guard troops from Arizona. Members have been serving in Arizona since the end of June, following President Trump’s call for the National Guard to help secure the border.
In announcing his executive order, Evers said keeping the border safe is the responsibility of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, and there’s not “ample evidence to support the president’s contention that there exists a national security crisis at our southwestern border.”
“I cannot support keeping our brave service men and women away from their families without a clear need or purpose that would actively benefit the people of Wisconsin or our nation,” Evers said.
Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, knocked Evers for what they characterized as a politically motivated decision.
“It’s yet another example of how our governor is catering to his Dane County liberal base and refusing to do what’s best for our state and in this case, the entire nation,” Vos said in a statement.
Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh, called border security “a top priority of our nation” and said he’s proud of the role the state’s National Guard played. But he added in a statement said it’s “unfortunate Governor Evers doesn’t agree.”
Currently, 112 Wisconsin National Guard personnel are in the state working on border security issues, per the guv’s executive order.
See more reaction in press releases:
https://www.wispolitics.com/2019/02/25/?arcf=cat:19
