State GOP Chair Brian Schimming kicked off this weekend’s convention in La Crosse by calling for Republicans to remain unified as they prepare to take on President Joe Biden next year.
“Let’s send a message to the Democrats in the state that this party is unified, that we’re principled, and that in this cycle, 2024, we’re going to do what it takes, you and I, to fire Joe Biden as president of the United States,” Schimming said.
Schimming also called western Wisconsin a “symbol of what we have been able to do as a Republican Party.”
U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden flipped the 3rd CD for Republicans, beating state Sen. Brad Pfaff, D-Onalaska, last year for the district long held by U.S. Rep. Ron Kind. Kind, D-La Crosse, left his seat after more than 25 years in Congress.
“We cannot be more proud than we are of Derrick Van Orden,” Schimming said, praising the Prairie du Chien Republican for helping to “fire Nancy Pelosi.”
Van Orden also spoke to open the convention in his district, touting his legislative efforts, including efforts to implement term limits and stop congressional members from becoming lobbyists.
Van Orden also slammed the national media for “pumping out so much garbage,” while praising local reporters.
“Hey guys, no one trusts you, just so you know,” Van Orden said, directing his comments at reporters in the room.
