Senate Democrats join calls to remove GOP elections commissioner over Milwaukee voting comments

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Senate Democrats are joining voting advocacy groups in calling for the removal of a Republican member of the state elections commission.

Democrats held a press conference Wednesday demanding Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) rescind his appointment of Republican Commissioner Bob Spindell over an email he sent touting low minority turnout in Milwaukee.

"Republicans need to do the right thing and remove this man from office," said Senator LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee).

Voting advocates and Democrats said they are frustrated by Spindell's refusal to step down after sending constituents an email in December celebrating lower turnout among Black and Hispanic voters by comparing voting trends from 2018 to 2022 in Milwaukee.

"…We can be especially proud of the City of Milwaukee (80.2% Dem Vote) casting 37,000 less votes than cast in the 2018 election with the major reduction happening in the overwhelming Black and Hispanic areas," wrote Spindell, who also serves as chairman of the Republican Party Fourth Congressional District.

Last week, Spindell told CBS 58 he stands by his comments and refused to resign.

"If these people are deciding I'm not going to vote for the Republican, but I'm not going to vote for the Democrat like I usually do -- that, in my view, is a positive event," Spindell said.

He added, "And we're not stopping. We're going to continue this all year."

LeMahieu and his office have declined requests for comment regarding Spindell's appointment. On Tuesday, LeMahieu walked away from reporters when asked about calls for Spindell to be removed from the commission.

"[Sen. LeMahieu] heard these comments the same way we did," Johnson said. "Not only do these comments reflect poorly on Bob Spindell, it reflects poorly on the entire Republican Party."