Backers of former President Donald Trump are launching a second effort to recall Wisconsin Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos after the first attempt appears to have failed. Vos was initially targeted for recall because he refused to impeach the state’s top elections official or attempt to decertify President Joe Biden’s 2020 victory in Wisconsin. The second recall effort alleges that Vos has shown “tacit support for the Chinese Communist Party,” lacks commitment to election integrity, blocks lower prescription drug costs, and has shown disrespect for his constituents. The recall organizers are determined to fortify the integrity of the recall process with precision and transparency.
Vos made headlines last week when he derided the recall effort by mocking their claims that he is secretly working for the Chinese government. At a WisPolitics.com luncheon, Vos dismissed the accusations as desperate, calling the recall organizers “whack jobs.” Despite the criticism, Vos declined to comment on the latest recall effort, while recall organizer Matthew Snorek did not respond to requests for comment. The bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission will ultimately determine if enough valid signatures are gathered to force a recall election, but the process faces challenges due to changes in Vos’ district boundaries and allegations of fraud in the first petition.
The elections commission has not yet voted on the first filing for the recall, as their initial review deemed that not enough valid signatures were collected from residents of Vos’ district. However, Vos now resides in a different district under new legislative maps, prompting the commission to seek clarification from the Wisconsin Supreme Court on where any recall would take place. This decision will impact the collection of petition signatures and the number required. Recall organizers have requested additional time to review challenges to the first petition, awaiting a ruling from the Supreme Court before proceeding.
Vos has criticized the first recall petition for falling short of the necessary signatures and alleged fraud and criminal activity. The Racine County district attorney is investigating claims that the petitions included names of individuals who did not sign it. The elections commission has until April 11 to determine the validity of the original petition, which could result in a recall election scheduled for June. A new recall petition is pending, with a deadline of May 28, suggesting a potential recall election in September, after the August primary. This timeline could impact Vos’ candidacy in the November general election.
