Central Wisconsin News

Marathon County GOP Chairman Kevin Hermening has accused Governor Tony Evers of violating Wisconsin's ethics laws by participating in Wausau Mayor Katie Rosenberg's re-election campaign. According to Hermening, "Governor Tony Evers should stay out of Wausau’s non-partisan Mayoral election and is breaking Wisconsin’s ethics laws by actively campaigning for Wausau Mayor Katie Rosenberg" at a private event on Saturday.

Hermening clarified that it is appropriate for the Governor to engage in official activities such as announcing state revenue sharing increases or touring local infrastructure projects. However, he argues that Evers' involvement in Rosenberg's campaign crosses an ethical line. "Joining Mayor Rosenberg today, who as a candidate for a non-partisan race for Mayor, violates the Wisconsin Ethics Statutes (specifically Wisconsin Statute 19.45, Standards of conduct; state public officials)," said Hermening.

He also raised concerns about the financial implications of the Governor's visit to Wausau. "Are the state’s taxpayers, who were just denied a $3.5 billion tax cut by the Governor’s vetoes, paying for the Governor’s travel and security bill? Or is the Mayor asking the already-strapped Wausau city taxpayers being asked to foot the bill for the Governor’s travels to Wausau?" Hermening questioned.

The Republican Party of Marathon County plans to file an official ethics complaint against Governor Evers if he proceeds with his participation in Rosenberg's campaign event. The complaint would cite State Statutes 19.45 Standards of conduct; state public officials.