Sanders Criticizes Wisconsin Voter ID Law At Madison Stop

Democratic Presidential Candidate Says The Law Suppresses Voters

By
Parth Shah/WPR

Rainy weather didn’t stop hundreds from filling up the Orpheum Theater in Madison to hear Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders speak.

Sanders started his speech by criticizing Gov. Scott Walker about the state’s voter ID law — a topic he’s hit on at other Wisconsin campaign stops.

“I say to Gov. Walker and all other Republican governors, if you don’t have the guts to participate in free, fair and open elections, get out of politics and get another job,” he said.

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Wisconsin law requires voters to bring state recognized photo ID in order to cast their ballot on election day. Sanders said voter ID law leads to lower voter turnout. “Let’s show Gov. Walker that his voter suppression efforts will not work,” he said.

The Vermont senator also spent time distinguishing himself from his rival, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Sanders said unlike Clinton, he hasn’t sought out campaign contributions from Wall Street.

“Secretary Clinton and every other politician who receives money from special interests always has the same response: ‘Not going to influence me. They’re just giving us millions of dollars for the heck of it,’” Sanders said.

Sanders said he’s confident he can outpace Clinton if voter turnout is high.

In addition to Clinton, Sanders said he doesn’t believe Republican frontrunner Donald Trump has a chance at the presidency.

Sanders will be back in Madison at the Kohl Center on April 3.

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