How Wisconsin Democrats Easily Defeated 2 Conservative Constitutional Amendments

"It was not at all obvious that there was a path to defeat these amendments," Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, told The Nation. Despite the initial pessimism, Democrats secured a significant victory in the August partisan primary, defeating two amendments aimed at changing how federal funds could be spent. The surprising landslide victory showcased voters' rejection of such restrictive measures and emphasized the importance of maintaining checks and balances in government.

"We didn't lean into the fight in the same way, and they sailed through as per usual," Wikler said. The Democratic Party's lack of effort against two other constitutional amendments earlier in the spring highlighted a strategic decision that contrasted sharply with their mobilization efforts in August. The defeat of the more consequential amendments served as a wake-up call, demonstrating that when united against critical threats, electoral outcomes could deviate significantly from initial predictions.

"It felt worth fighting, even if it was a long shot to win." This comment from Wikler reflects the tenacity and determination of the Democratic Party in Wisconsin, emphasizing their belief in the necessity of contesting harmful amendments. The successful defeat of the two amendments not only represented a victory at the ballot box but also reinforced the significance of safeguarding the mechanisms of governance and preventing legislative overreach.

Read at The Nation