Staff Reports
Republican Senate candidate Eric Hovde finds himself embroiled in controversy over past remarks that some say don’t sit well with the great state of Wisconsin. In 2017, Hovde caught flak for making comments about booze that had the beer-loving Badger State seeing red. According to Rolling Stone, he suggested that folks should only have access to alcohol if they brew or distill it themselves. This did not exactly sit well in a state where the beer industry is bubbling over with success, contributing billions to the economy and employing tens of thousands of Wisconsinites.
Wisconsin GOP Senate candidate suggested banning alcohol sales in state known for its booze: Report https://t.co/ZlVNxeak9N https://t.co/ZlVNxeak9N
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) March 14, 2024
And it doesn’t end there! When Hovde weighed in on the idea of legalizing marijuana, he reportedly took a similar stance, saying the commercialization of alcohol was a wrong turn and that the same should not happen with marijuana. He expressed concern about adding more “negative byproducts” to society and seemed to be skeptical about the idea of turning marijuana into a business.
When questioned about these comments, a spokesman for Hovde called the media’s attention to the remarks “ridiculous,” and suggested it was a desperate attempt to divert attention from Senator Tammy Baldwin’s strong support for the Biden agenda. The Hovde camp clarified this all took place at a “Pints and Politics” event, showing that Eric Hovde is not one to mince words when it comes to his beliefs.
It’s no secret that Wisconsin is all about the brews, and even the powerful Tavern League of Wisconsin took a jab at Hovde, likening his comments to criticizing Big Macs. They emphasized the importance of responsible enjoyment and highlighted the significant role alcohol plays in the state’s economy.
As Hovde vies for Baldwin’s Senate seat, it’s clear that strong feelings are brewing about his stance on alcohol and marijuana. Meanwhile, Baldwin is not holding back on her enthusiasm for the state’s beer industry, proudly touting Wisconsin’s brews as the best in the world. It looks like there’s a political showdown fermenting in the Badger State!
