As he teases a run for governor, Tom Tiffany wades into campaigning at the Wisconsin State Fair
While he didn’t walk around the Wisconsin State Fair enthusiastically shaking hands with voters like an official candidate for governor, Republican U.S Rep. Tom Tiffany worked conservative groups' booths to make himself known.
His appearance is the latest indication Tiffany plans to run for governor, though he has pushed back his timeline for announcing a possible campaign. Tiffany previously said he'd make his decision after July but now plans to announce his decision in the next 30 to 60 days.
In an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel at the fairgrounds on Aug. 4, Tiffany said he doubted he’d decide before Labor Day.
“The decision is going to be made by the end of September. I’m not going to drag this out beyond then,” he said.
An ongoing straw poll conducted at the Milwaukee County Republican Party booth had Tiffany running in fourth place, with former U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde leading the pack after about 400 votes cast.
Tiffany's day at the fair included a stop at the Moms for Liberty booth, a parental rights group that has gained influence within the Republican Party and launched candidates for school board seats in Wisconsin.
Tiffany criticized Democratic Gov. Tony Evers for lowering academic standards, a reference to state Superintendent Jill Underly changing state test score benchmarks. Evers has called the changes a “mistake” but vetoed a bill to reverse them.
Moms for Liberty representatives also questioned Tiffany about transgender students participating in youth sports.
“As a girl dad, that hits home. All three of my daughters competed in interscholastic sports. They shouldn’t have to compete against guys,” Tiffany said.
Evers has used his veto several times to block Republican-authored bills that would have banned transgender youth from participating in girls' sports or using girls' locker rooms.
Those bills are under consideration again in the state Capitol but have not yet reached Evers' desk.
In February, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association changed its policies, not because of state legislation but in response to an executive order from President Donald Trump.