Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says he flew by private plane Saturday to attend former President Trump’s rally in Alabama and provide him details about “our robust efforts in Wisconsin to restore full integrity and trust in elections.”
Trump has publicly pressured the Rochester Republican twice this summer on reviewing the 2020 election results. That included a statement earlier this month pushing the speaker to back efforts by Rep. Janel Brandtjen, R-Menomonee Falls, to subpoena ballots and voting equipment from Brown and Milwaukee counties.
In a statement late Saturday, Vos touted efforts by Michael Gableman, the former justice he hired in June to conduct a review of the election. Vos said “we have doubled down on our top-to-bottom investigation” by hiring Gableman.
“We will do whatever it takes to help Justice Gableman uncover reports of systematic fraud in our forensic audit,” Vos said. “I plan to keep President Trump updated on our investigation.”
Assembly Minority Leader Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, tweeted a GIF of longtime children’s TV host Fred Rogers putting on a clown mask before adding, “The ‘robust’ efforts by Republicans include having lead Inspector Gableman attend an event by MyPillow Guy; QAnon claims and battle cries; and a promise that the real cyber ninjas are coming to WI. This. THIS is supposed to restore trust in the people?”
On the eve of the GOP state convention, Trump accused Vos and other GOP leaders of trying to prevent a forensic audit of the election results and accused them of “working hard to cover up election corruption.” At the time, Vos said Trump was misinformed.
In the statement earlier this month, Trump said he hoped Vos “has the integrity and strength Wisconsin needs to support Rep. Brandtjen’s efforts. Our Country is counting on it!”
Leg Council has authored two memos stating only the chamber’s chief officer can issue a subpoena that can compel testimony or turning over documents and then issue penalties if the subject doesn’t comply. Vos has yet to publicly comment on the subpoenas.
Vos’ statement said he was invited to travel by private plane with Trump and staff to attend the rally. The statement didn’t provide details on who invited Vos, and the lawmaker didn’t respond to a text from WisPolitics.com seeking details and whether he discussed Brandtjen’s efforts with Trump.
See Vos’ statement here.
