Commentary: Mandela Barnes Has Every Right To Run For Governor

I have tried not to become involved in the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor. Try as I might, I haven’t been able to remain quiet. The absolute importance of state politics can’t be overlooked.

I’m a 71-year-old, Wisconsin-born-and-raised resident who remembers all too well the difficult eight years of agony under Gov. Scott Walker. We fought hard and the memories are still fresh.

The article in the Milwaukee Courier on Oct. 25, attributed to editorial staff, is a hit piece on Mandela Barnes. It conveniently leaves out the fact that some on-air staff at WNOV Radio, which is associated with the Courier, weren’t supportive of Barnes’ U.S. Senate candidacy in 2022.

We need a candidate who can unite this state, and that article’s suggestion to the contrary is ridiculous. Show me the person – Democrat or Republican – who fits that bill.

Mandela has already shown who he is. The Courier article written against him is biased and unfair.

To bring personal vendettas into this election is outright rubbish. The last time I checked, Gov. Tony Evers didn’t confide or pledge to unite this state — as did all before him. We turned out for Evers, not for Barnes. That alone should beg the question: Why?

As for former Democratic Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, I don’t recall her having any major impact during her tenure. To hear her statement that Barnes has somehow failed to run a campaign on a statewide basis is hogwash.

Who is the “we” she is referring to in that statement? Mandela proved he can run and deserves to give it a go.

This is one of the worst and most egregious attacks on a man who doesn’t have a hateful bone in his body. I would ask those of you who are fair to call this out for what it is.

As an American citizen, Mandela Barnes has every right to run for this office. He’s an educated man who must be treated with dignity and respect.