Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes spoke to supporters Tuesday during a campaign stop in Rhinelander.

BY EILEEN PERSIKE, EDITOR

Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Mandela Barnes stopped in Rhinelander Tuesday. He told campaign supporters they are in the fight of their lives. His Republican opponent, Sen. Ron Johnson, Barnes said, is “not a person who can be trusted to keep us safe,” or protect democracy.

“But regardless of all of his failures over the last 12 years, that’s not what’s going to win for us,” said Barnes. “We have to lead with our values, we have to lead with our vision, we have to talk about the things that matter, we have to talk about our plan to improve the quality of life for everybody across this state and across this country.”

Barnes spoke again of his working-class background, growing up in the state’s poorest and most incarcerated zip code. He credited American manufacturing and his union-member grandfather’s move to Milwaukee with providing him opportunities that he will make available to every child.

“Ron Johnson has left behind working people, he will continue to leave behind working people if he is reelected,” said Barnes. “He doesn’t want to see wages increased, he’s all too comfortable getting rid of people’s retirement security, he’s all too comfortable sending good paying jobs out of the state or out of the country.”

Speaking to the state’s working-class voters, Barnes added, “Nobody’s job is safe with Ron Johnson representing us, nobody’s retirement security is safe with Ron Johnson representing us. This is about putting more money in the pockets of hard-working people.”

 Regarding fentanyl and opioid addiction concerns in the Northwoods area, Barnes said he would like the state to expand Medicaid to help tackle the problems.

“We’re one of 12 states that has not expanded Badgercare under the Affordable Care Act and I’ve talked with Sheriffs all across this state, I’ve talked with Republican Sheriffs that say this would go a long way to help them solve the crisis, help treat people who need the treatment to get them safe and healthy,” said Barnes.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Barnes faces Sen. Ron Johnson, who is seeking his third six-year term in the senate. For information on what is on the ballot or to check voter registration, visit myvote.wi.gov.