Politics

Wisconsin Officials React to Inauguration as Wisconsin Capitol Remains Quiet

Wisconsin avoided political violence that was feared in the wake of the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riots.

By Will Kenneally

January 20, 2021

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Joe Biden

President Joe Biden being sworn in Jan. 20, 2021.


The Wisconsin Capitol remained quiet Wednesday while the U.S. Capitol served as the backdrop of President Joe Biden’s inauguration.

protesters

A small group of protesters were down at the state Capitol on Inauguration Day, calling for an audit of the state’s mail-in ballots Jan. 20, 2021.

There was still a police presence in Madison over fears of politically-motivated violence in the wake of the U.S. Capitol riot earlier this month.

The state Capitol drew a smattering of protesters who remained peaceful. Among those who did protest was an Evansville resident who pushed for an audit of the state’s mail-in ballots, but acknowledged that Biden did win the election.

In Washington, Wisconsin’s Democrats heralded an incoming Biden presidency as the turning of a page from the Republican tenure of former President Donald Trump.

“Today, America begins a new path forward,” U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, said. “We have a lot of work to do, and I know Joe and Kamala are ready to do it.”

Wednesday’s inauguration also marked the first time a woman, a Black person and an Indian-American person would hold the office of vice president.

“My heart is swelling with pride,” said U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee. “Little girls watching today’s inauguration will see all that is possible.”

The new president also received support from U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Green Bay, who said of the new administration, “despite our political disagreements, I stand ready to work with them on the enormous challenges facing our country.”

With the new presidency comes a new administration with roots in Wisconsin. Wisconsin health secretary Andrea Palm announced this week she is taking a position as deputy secretary in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This is in addition to Linda Thomas Greenfield, a UW-Madison alum, who is Biden’s pick for United Nations ambassador.

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