Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it.
This saying is timely advice for Republican voters enjoying last Tuesday’s sweeping victories.
The election results were no doubt driven by an overwhelming desire for smaller government, less taxes, balanced budgets, pro-life policies and less gun control. These are understandable positions that even some Democrats and independents support.
However, political victories nowadays require lots of money. Much of those donations came from large corporate donors and political action committees who have very different agendas than the people who actually voted. These organizations are expecting something in return.
I’m pretty sure that Wisconsin voters didn’t elected Republicans because they wanted to fast-track mining permits, protect corporate tax loopholes, support fossil-fuel subsidies or reduce EPA regulation of air pollution. And yet, those are the very favors our Republican politicians will feel compelled to deliver.
I urge members of both parties to remind their representatives of who they are supposed to work for: the citizens of Wisconsin. Wish them success but also serve them notice that backroom deals and corporate paybacks will not be tolerated and will cost your vote in the next election cycle.
Dimitri Martin
Waupaca