Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin Endorses Bob Tatterson for Assembly District 24 Special Election

Statement from Steven Webb II, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of WI 

“Bob Tatterson is the only candidate on the ballot who is on the side of reproductive freedom,” said Steven Webb II, Executive Director, PPAWI. “Electing champions of reproductive freedom is important in every election. Bob Tatterson is trusted to utilize his platform and voice to push for the restoration and protection of reproductive rights for all Wisconsinites.”

https://www.wispolitics.com/2023/planned-parenthood-advocates-of-wisconsin-endorses-in-special-election

Shepherd Express Endorses Tatterson

The Shepherd Express newspaper has endorsed Bob Tatterson for State Assembly District 24, saying he “has the ability to break through and defeat” his opponent, incumbent Dan Knodl.

Here is what the Shepherd Express wrote about Tatterson and his opponent.

“Bob Tatterson is the type of candidate that is easy to support. After a long and successful career, Ph.D. holder Tatterson has a depth of knowledge on policy issues and a genuine excitement to go to Madison and lead on new and innovative ideas. He is active in many community projects, including joining as an initial investor in the Sherman Phoenix Marketplace, a project that has been incredibly successful and important on Fund du Lac Avenue. 

“The contrast he provides against his opponent, Dan Knodl, is striking. Few Republican Legislators have done less with their gerrymandered majority seat than Knodl. A perennial back bencher and all-around curmudgeon, Knodl has done so little with his opportunity to govern, we easily and enthusiastically endorse Bob Tatterson in the 24th District. 

“Knodl survived consecutive close elections against Democrat Emily Siegrist in 2018 and 2020. His strongest re-election strategy has seemingly been to lean on Speaker Vos to insure that the new district lines are gerrymandered as much as possible to lean more Republican. But we believe Tatterson has the ability to break through and defeat Knodl.

“We want Legislators that actually want to work and get things done and in the 24th Assembly District, that’s Bob Tatterson.”

Your Guide for Early, In-person Voting

If you’d like to vote in person but before election day, here are the locations, days and times in the 24th District.

GERMANTOWN
Village Hall
N112 W17001 Mequon Road


Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm

GRAFTON
Village Hall
860 Badger Circle


Monday-Friday 8am-4pm

MENOMONEE FALLS
City Hall
W156N8480 Pilgrim Road


Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm

MEQUON
City Hall
11333 N. Cedarburg Rd.


Monday-Friday 8am-4pm

Candidates Call Out Incumbents Who Asked VP Pence Not to Certify Election

15 Wisconsin legislators held accountable for ‘choosing Trump over truth’

Sept. 28, 2022- Democratic candidates for Wisconsin’s State Assembly denounced their Republican opponents Wednesday for signing a letter in January 2021 asking then Vice President Pence not to certify the 2020 election.

“Sending this letter was an illegal act, in violation of their oath to not only support the Wisconsin Constitution but also the U.S. Constitution,” said Bob Tatterson, candidate for Assembly District 24, at a news conference in Milwaukee. “These legislators sided with Trump and the MAGA Republicans and betrayed the voters of our state. They tried to deny us the most fundamental freedom to choose who governs us.”

The letter is dated January 5, a day before insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol. Fifteen Republican Wisconsin legislators (listed below) signed it, along with Republican legislators from other states. The letter implored Pence to postpone “the January 6th opening and counting of the electoral votes.”

They justified the request by citing “procedural irregularities raising questions about the validity of hundreds of thousands of ballots in our respective states.”

Nonsense, say the candidates running against the signers.

“After recounts and more than 60 court cases across America, including Wisconsin, it was clear there was no case to be made. Case closed, Joe Biden won the election fair and square. But these 15 Wisconsin legislators, including my opponent Dan Knodl, chose Donald Trump over the truth and over their duty to our state and country,” said Tatterson.

 “These MAGA Republicans amplified election-denying conspiracy theories, adding fuel to the fire, and interfering with the peaceful transfer of power,” Tatterson said.  “This is not the kind of leadership Wisconsin wants or needs. Wisconsin deserves better.”

Deborah Davis, candidate for Assembly District 82, said those Republicans running for office again must be held accountable.

“Wisconsin's January 5th Republican signers should be prosecuted,” Davis said. “In the meantime, this November's ballot gives Wisconsin voters the opportunity to be the prosecutors, the judges, the jurors and the defenders of democracy in our state.  Chuck Wichgers violated his oath of office on January 5th and continues efforts to undermine Wisconsin 2020 elections.  As a minimum consequence, his eligibility for continued public service should be immediately forfeited.”

Daniel Larsen, candidate for Assembly District 60, said our elected officials should be focused on doing their jobs for voters, not playing politics.

"We deserve to be represented by leaders who listen, who will bring our communities together, and who will work as hard for you as you do to support yourself and your family,” Larsen said. “The election lies pushed by these lawmakers are meant to distract us from the fact that they aren't doing the work that we expect and deserve from our elected officials. That's why we must defeat them."

Mary Ann Rzeszutek, candidate for Assembly District 58, called the signers’ action unconstitutional.

"I am appalled that these elected officials, who took an oath to support the Constitution, committed an act that subverted the Constitution and would have interfered with the peaceful transition of power.  Wisconsinites cannot accept representatives who commit actions that are anti-democracy," Rzeszutek said.

Matt Brown, candidate for Assembly District 22, criticized his opponent for signing the letter.

“Representative Janel Brandtjen has been an embarrassment to Wisconsin with her trips to Milwaukee and Arizona to monitor the ballot recounts of the 2020 election,” Brown said. “She continues to sow doubt about the democratic process of voting and spread disinformation about the legitimacy of the election. What purpose does this serve other than to continue the lie that the election was stolen instead of attending to the needs of the people she represents? She was on the Wisconsin payroll the entire time and to date all claims of widespread voter fraud have been disproven.”

Tatterson said it is important to make sure voters know about this letter, and who signed it.

“On the campaign trail, the people we meet often don’t know their Republican representatives were part of an organized effort to stop the peaceful transfer of power following a free and fair election,” he said. “When they learn the truth, they’re appalled. The 15 Republicans who signed the letter, and especially the 11 who are now running for re-election, must be called out for their actions. They must be held accountable. People living in these districts -- whatever their political leanings -- can send a powerful message to these politicians by voting against them.”

  

Incumbents Who Signed Letter in 2021

Sen. André Jacque (R-DePere) — District 1

Rep. Janel Brandtjen (R-Menomonee Falls) — District 22

Rep. Robert Brooks (R-Saukville) — District 60

Rep. Rick Gundrum (R-Slinger) — District 58

Rep. Cody Horlacher (R-Mukwonago)   — District 33

Rep. Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) — District 24

Rep. Gae Magnafici (R-Dresser) — District 28

Rep. Dave Murphy (R-Greenville) — District 56

Rep. Jeffrey Mursau (R-Crivitz) — District 36

Rep. Timothy Ramthun (R-Campbellsport)  — District 59

Rep. Joe Sanfelippo (R-West Berlin)  — District 15

Rep. Michael Schraa (R-Oshkosh) — District 53

Rep. Shae Sortwell (R-Two Rivers) — District 2

Rep. Jeremy Thiesfeldt (R-Fond du Lac)  — District 52

Rep. Chuck Wichgers (R-Muskego) — District 82 

Teachers Union Recommends Tatterson

Bob Tatterson has earned the recommendation of the educator-members of the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) for State Assembly District 24.

“Bob Tatterson embodies Wisconsin values, understanding the important role public education has in our democracy, demonstrating respect for educators and putting students and families before politics,” said Peggy Wirtz-Olsen, a teacher and WEAC President.

Tatterson, a product of public schools, is a strong advocate for public education. He believes the state legislature should be fully funding public schools by using part of the projected $5 billion state budget surplus.

“Public schools are the heart of our communities, and students our future workforce,” Tatterson said. “Our public schools must provide each and every child the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential in life.”

Sierra Club endorses Tatterson

The Sierra Club, the national environmental protection organization, has endorsed Bob Tatterson for State Assembly District 24.

“Bob Tatterson’s support for preservation of the Cedar Gorge Clay Bluffs, along with his support of local groups like the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust, make him the best candidate. We're proud to support him for election to the 24th District," said Dave Blouin, Political Director, Sierra Club - Wisconsin Chapter.

Tatterson is running to unseat incumbent Dan Knodl, who has opposed environmental protection bills in the state legislature.

“I am really delighted to receive this endorsement.” Tatterson said. “We all deserve to breathe clean air and drink clean water. I applaud the Sierra Club for the work it is doing for all of us, and appreciate the organization’s support.”

24th District Voter Forum cancelled when Knodl declines to appear

Sept. 6, 2022 —Bob Tatterson, Democratic candidate to represent the 24th Wisconsin Assembly District, today expressed disappointment that his opponent declined to participate in a forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters for Ozaukee County.

“This would have been an excellent opportunity for voters to contrast our views on issues facing the 24th district and the State of Wisconsin,” said Tatterson, a Mequon businessman running to replace Republican incumbent Dan Knodl.

Amy Otis-Wilborn, co-chair of the Ozaukee league’s voter services committee, said she made many attempts to contact Knodl, but “received no response.” As a result, she said the planned candidates forum was cancelled because the league requires representation from all candidates at its non-partisan forums.

Tatterson stressed that Knodl’s refusal to appear is significant since redistricting has created a new 24th District composed of Grafton, Germantown and parts of Mequon and Menomonee Falls. “Many voters in the 24th District don’t know me or my opponent,” said Tatterson.

“I’ve been speaking to business and civic groups throughout the district and have laid out my experience and positions at bobtatterson.com,” said Tatterson. “But it would have been good to face my opponent in a nonpartisan public forum.”

A chemical engineer, Tatterson led research and development at several major corporations. He now advises and invests in Wisconsin-based innovative business startups and serves on several nonpartisan boards and advisory councils.

Wisconsin Progress Endorses Tatterson

Bob Tatterson, candidate for State Assembly District 24, has received the endorsement from Wisconsin Progress, an organization focused on developing progressive leaders in our state.

Tatterson, a Democrat, is running against Daniel Knodl, a Republican incumbent.

“Wisconsin Progress candidates are progressive champions,” says the organization. “They are passionate community leaders dedicated to making their neighborhoods better places to live, work, and raise a family. Wisconsin's working families are struggling in the current political climate, and it is these local leaders who can make the biggest impact on their daily lives.”

The group backs candidates who are committed to protecting the state’s natural resources, promoting the middle class, and funding public education.

“My opponent and I have starkly different views on these key issues,” Tatterson said. “I will lead us forward on improving the environment, leveling the playing field for the middle class, and fully funding public education. I’m honored that Wisconsin Progress would recognize me for these positions.”

Environmental Group Endorses Tatterson

Citing his “commitment to clean water, clean air, and the climate,” the Clean Wisconsin Action Fund has endorsed Bob Tatterson for State Assembly District 24.

Tatterson has made protecting the environment an important part of his campaign.

 “We have a responsibility to protect the air we breathe and the water we drink, not just for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren,” Tatterson said.

He advocates for harnessing Wisconsin energy resources, such as solar, wind and biomass technology to lessen the use of coal, gas, and gasoline and thereby reduce air and water pollution.

“As a long-time engineer, I know we can apply and expand the use of proven technologies to improve the environment,” he said.

 The Clean Wisconsin Action Fund is a nonpartisan environmental advocacy organization based in Madison. It protects Wisconsin’s clean water, air and climate and compliments the grassroots and education work of its sister organization, Clean Wisconsin, by helping to elect candidates that support a pro-environment agenda.

Tatterson Awarded For His Stance on Gun Safety

Bob Tatterson, candidate for State Assembly District 24, has been awarded the 2022 “Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate” distinction.

The recognition comes from the national organization Everytown for Gun Safety and its grassroots volunteer network Moms Demand Action. They praised Tatterson for “advocating for gun violence prevention and making a commitment to govern with gun safety in mind.”

Tatterson has been outspoken in his support for common sense gun safety measures, including background checks on all gun sales and “red flag” laws, which would allow law enforcement to temporarily remove firearms from people they believe present a danger to themselves or others.

“I’m a gun owner and support the Second Amendment, but like the overwhelming majority of Wisconsin residents, I support changing our laws to make our families and communities safer,” Tatterson said.

Everytown for Gun Safety ranks Wisconsin as “weak” on gun law strength. Tatterson says he will fight to change that fact.

“We all deserve to feel safe in our communities. We should not live in fear of losing a loved one to gun violence.”

Statement from Bob Tatterson on Germantown School Board Resolution

Just Plain Wrong

We all want our schools to be safe for our children, grandchildren, and the teachers and staff who serve them. Nobody should live in fear of losing a loved one to gun violence.

But a resolution just adopted by the Germantown School Board takes a dangerous, alarming approach.

The Board is asking our state government to, among other things, allow people to carry concealed firearms “on school grounds and within school buildings.” It would also provide “defense and firearm training to all school staff that wish to receive that training.”

Allowing more guns in more places, especially in schools, is not the answer.

Instead, we must pass common sense gun laws -- laws the vast majority of Wisconsinites support.

A Marquette University poll found 81% of Wisconsin residents – including 78% of gun-owning households -- support background checks on all gun sales. And the majority of people in our state support “red flag” laws, allowing police to temporarily remove firearms from a person they believe may present a danger to themselves or others.

Sadly, the Republican-led legislature has failed to act on the will of the people. We must pass these commonsense safety measures. We cannot wait for another tragic event.

I agree with the Germantown School Board on one point: more must be done to make our schools safe.

But allowing more guns inside our schools, and turning our teachers into police, is just plain wrong.

Signed,

Bob Tatterson

Candidate for State Assembly District 24

Service Union Endorses Bob Tatterson for State Assembly

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) has endorsed Bob Tatterson for State Assembly District 24.

Tatterson, a Mequon Democrat, is running to unseat incumbent Republican Dan Knodl. The SEIU represents workers in healthcare, the public sector and property services.

“The health and well-being of the people of Wisconsin depends on your success as a candidate,” SEIU leaders wrote in a letter to Tatterson. “The race is important for everyone who works for a living and the families that depend on them.”

Before retiring from the corporate world, Tatterson worked as a chemical engineer and led research and new product development at several large corporations. He now advises and invests in innovative Wisconsin-based business startups and serves on several nonprofit boards and advisory councils

The union praised Tatterson for having “a vision to advance the working people of our state.”

“I deeply appreciate the support of the SEIU,” said Tatterson, a former volunteer firefighter. “These are the people who make our state work every day. I’m honored to have their backing and will work hard to represent them in Madison.”