Wisconsin Congressional GOP split over Electoral College objections
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) – As of Wednesday morning, Jan. 6, only two of Wisconsin’s Congressional Republicans said they will object to the Electoral College vote count, while one GOP members said he will not object.
Senator Ron Johnson and Congressman Tom Tiffany will formally object to the certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s victory when the issue is put before Congress Wednesday afternoon.
“This is the last option that remains to protect the rights of millions of Wisconsin voters who cast legal ballots,” Tiffany, of Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, said in a statement.
Ballots cast that violate procedures set forth in state statute “may not be included in the certified result of any election.” That is the law and why I will support tomorrow's objection. This is the last option to protect the rights of Wisconsin voters who cast legal ballots.
— Rep. Tom Tiffany (@RepTiffany) January 5, 2021
Sen. Johnson said in a Fox News interview he knows the objections will not change the results of the presidential election, but wants claims of “irregularities” investigated.
The state Supreme Court and U.S. Supreme Court – both with conservative majorities – dismissed lawsuits by President Donald Trump’s campaign over the election results in Wisconsin.
Eighth Congressional District Congressman Mike Gallagher wrote an op-ed in which he said he would not object to the Electoral College vote and has concerns about his colleagues who will.
“The objectors are going down a dangerous path of vast federal overreach,” Gallagher said.
Congress controlling elections is an extremely progressive interpretation of the Constitution. It would give the federal government enormous new powers. I argue in @NRO that conservatives should conserve the rights of states and people to govern themselves.https://t.co/izhc9qmvQB
— Rep. Mike Gallagher (@RepGallagher) January 6, 2021
No Democrats are expected to object.
Congress begins the certification process at noon on Jan. 6, going through each state’s votes and hearing potential objections one by one.
With the process going in alphabetical order and debate expected to last hours, Wisconsin’s delegation is likely to be the central focus late in the evening.