Leading WI Republicans and KOR Members Advocate for Dialogue and Trust in Democracy Ahead of 2024 Election Cycle
MILWAUKEE, WI – As the nation’s attention turns to the upcoming Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee, Keep Our Republic (KOR) urges all participants, whether on stage or not, to publicly affirm two crucial points: 1) Joe Biden won Wisconsin in the 2020 election, and 2) they will accept the outcome of the 2024 elections.
Wisconsin, with its rich history as a swing state, is poised to play a pivotal role in the 2024 presidential election, potentially determining the winner in a closely contested race. Its diverse electorate and razor-thin margins in recent elections underscore the state’s significance as both parties vie for its crucial electoral votes.
Former U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble (R-Appleton), and KOR Wisconsin Advisory Council member, underscored the importance of acknowledging the truth, “The winner of Wisconsin’s 10 electoral votes in 2020 was President Joe Biden. It’s essential for the health of our democracy that we recognize and stand by this fact.”
KOR Wisconsin State Director, former Republican State Senate Chairwoman and Chippewa County Clerk Kathy Bernier, echoed Ribble’s sentiments, “Our democracy depends on trust and transparency. We’ve seen the damage that misinformation can cause. It’s time to move forward, focusing on the future direction of our nation rather than relitigating November 2020.”
Recently Rep. Ribble and Bernier jointly wrote an op-ed for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “One thing not up for debate in Milwaukee: Joe Biden won Wisconsin in 2020,” emphasizing the integrity of the 2020 election results, and that even as life-long Republicans, they understand that the 2020 election was secure and the correct results were certified.
KOR Executive Director Ari Mittleman highlighted the organization’s commitment to upholding democratic values, “As we face the 2024 election cycle, our democracy remains under threat from baseless challenges, foreign interference, and rising extremism that seek to diminish trust in our electoral system. It’s imperative that we all, Republicans and Democrats alike, stand united to protect and uphold our enduring American values.”
Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson, and KOR Wisconsin Advisory Council member, shared, “During my time in Wisconsin politics, we certainly had our partisan battles, but we stood together when it came to the fundamental principle of defending our republic.” Thompson continued, “The eyes of the nation will be on Wisconsin once again in 2024. We may not agree on everything, but we all can do our part to lower the temperature and strengthen our democracy.”
KOR is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting American democracy and its core values. Through education and civic action, KOR addresses threats to our electoral system and promotes transparent governance. As KOR Wisconsin State Director, Bernier leads the nonprofit’s efforts in Wisconsin. The KOR Wisconsin Advisory Council is taking proactive steps to restore voters’ trust in the country’s election systems.Through a series of bipartisan events, the Council is working to counter election misinformation by equipping local leaders and citizens with factual knowledge, ensuring that accurate information is disseminated throughout communities.