Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein and Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer told Dem activists today their caucuses are on the verge of taking full control of the Legislature for the first time in nearly 16 years.
Still, Neubauer, D-Racine, told activists gathered for the state party’s convention in Madison it won’t be easy.
“Nothing worth fighting for is, but we have never shied away from that,” Neubauer said.
Neubauer spoke to the convention via video after the birth of her daughter Ingrid last weekend. Holding her newborn in her lap, Neubauer said Assembly Dem candidates believe Wisconsin communities deserve better than what they’ve received under the GOP-controlled Legislature.
>> WisPolitics is now on the State Affairs network. Get custom keyword notifications, bill tracking and all WisPolitics content. Get the app or access via desktop.
“It’s time for new leadership in Wisconsin,” she said.
All 15 Senate Dems voted against a $1.8 billion surplus package that Tony Evers negotiated with GOP legislative leaders, and the governor knocked the caucus after its failure when three Republicans joined with them in opposition. In one interview, Evers suggested Hesselbein was using the promise of appointments if Dems have the majority next session to keep members unified in their opposition to the bill.
Still, Hesselbein praised Evers in her speech, telling Dem activists that the positive effect the governor has had on our state “cannot be left unsaid” and praised his legacy. Hesselbein said that legacy includes putting Dems in position this fall to win a trifecta.
“We are ready to clean up the mess that Republicans made in Madison,” Hesselbein said.