MADISON — Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes released the following statement one year after the January 6 insurrection in the U.S. Capitol:

“Today we remember the lives lost as a result of the attacks on the U.S. Capitol one year ago. We also remember the incredible bravery of so many law enforcement officers, staff, and members of Congress who would not back down in the face of this unprecedented insurrection — an insurrection encouraged by cynical politicians who chose election conspiracies and loyalty to one man over our nation and its most sacred institutions.

“Over the past year, Ron Johnson has again and again perpetuated conspiracy theories and false claims about our elections. He has lied about and downplayed an attempted coup. Even now, he is trying to force through a partisan takeover of our elections based on his bogus claims.

“This isn’t a Democratic or a Republican issue. It is an issue of respecting and defending the fundamental values that our country was founded on. It is an issue of patriotism. It’s about honoring those who have died upholding our sacred institutions, both on January 6, 2021, and throughout the two and a half centuries since our country was founded.

“Last January 6, Ron Johnson had the chance to stand up for America, and unlike those brave patriots who defended our capitol — some of whom died doing so — Senator Johnson let each and every one of us down.

“My thoughts and prayers are with all those who lost their lives and those still coping with the trauma from the events of that solemn day. May we always strive to live up to their example: defending our democracy in its hour of greatest need and always putting our country — and our patriotism — over partisanship and party.”

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