Democratic governors campaign for Biden in Wisconsin, highlight abortion rights
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Will abortion be the issue that swings the presidential race? That's what Democrats in battleground states are hoping for as they continue to hold campaign events on the issue.
Governor Tony Evers and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined a roundtable with abortion rights advocates less than five months out from the November election.
The event comes as next week will mark two years since the U.S. Supreme Court effectively ended federal protections for the right to an abortion, returning regulation to the states.
"Donald Trump caused this to happen," Evers said at the Goodman Center in Madison. " He talked about getting a Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, he did it and he bragged about it.
It was one of two campaign events held on Monday. Whitmer also joined Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in Wauwatosa.
Democrats have campaigned heavily on abortion ever since it was widely credited with limiting Republican victories during the 2022 election.
Since then, Whitmer, who also represents a key swing state, said many other rights are on the line this election, including efforts seen across the county to restrict contraception and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
"It's all very much at risk," said Whitmer. "That's why we got to talk about it. Not talking about it, putting your head in the sand, is a recipe for losing additional rights."
During a rally in Waukesha, former President Donald Trump warned Republicans about the political dangers of the issue of abortion. It's something voters are likely to hear him talk about again during his campaign event scheduled for Tuesday in Racine.
Some Republicans, including Wisconsin U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde, have shifted their tone on abortion.
Hovde, who back in 2012 said he was "totally opposed" to abortion, now supports allowing women early on in their pregnancy to make a choice and backs IVF.
"I support IVF, absolutely," Hovde told CBS 58. "I know many people who have had children using IVF. I think it's a very important tool."
Hovde, a Republican businessman from Madison, has also shared his beliefs there should be exceptions for rape and incest in state law, a stance he took shortly before announcing his bid against Democratic incumbent Senator Tammy Baldwin in February.
Trump has also been downplaying the idea of a nationwide abortion ban, something Democrats warn could happen if reelected after he previously backed it during his 2016 campaign.
Trump has instead focused the conversation on allowing states to decide their own abortion restrictions.