State of Wisconsin Archives: on Drugs
Kathleen Vinehout:
30% budget cuts but shift to drug addiction and recovery
Every dollar spent in the budget is a choice. Past budget cuts had serious consequences. An aging population, more mental health and drug addiction problems, and increasing childhood poverty are straining our capacity to respond. Addiction recovery,
increasing mental health provider payments, caring for our elders and disabled and prenatal outreach are all changes I choose to make in the health budget. Moving administrative functions in-house rather than out-sourcing would cut costs by 30%.
Source: Tomah Journal on 2018 Wisconsin Gubernatorial race
Jun 5, 2017
Kelda Helen Roys:
Marijuana isn't a gateway drug
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Marijuana is a gateway drug"?
A: Oppose
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Wisconsin Governor candidate
May 5, 2018
Leah Vukmir:
Opposes stronger penalties for drunk driving
The debate provided a rare chance to see Vukmir at a non-scripted event and on the same stage with her opponent. She has campaigned door-to-door in her district, but has mostly avoided debates, press events and interviews.The debate questions,
presented by two panelists, covered a wide range of issues, including clean energy (he's for it, she's against it), high-speed rail (he's for it, she's against it) and stronger penalties for drunk driving (he's for them, she's against them).
Source: Wisconsin Gazette on 2018 Wisconsin State Senate debate
Oct 20, 2010
Leah Vukmir:
More law enforcement grants to prevent drug flow into WI
State Sen. Leah Vukmir and state Rep. John Nygren released legislation that would give law enforcement more tools to address the heroin and opioid epidemic facing Wisconsin:"As a member of Governor Walker's Task Force on Opioid Abuse, I am pleased to
join my colleagues as we unveil legislation that builds on the Legislature's efforts to combat opioid abuse in Wisconsin," said Vukmir who has more than 20 years' experience as a nurse practitioner. "It is critical that our communities have the tools
necessary to combat the rising problems that stem from heroin abuse."
The legislation focuses on providing law enforcement training grants targeted at preventing drug flow into Wisconsin, offers funding for programming to prevent substance abuse, and
gives grants to counties for medical-assisted treatment. This legislation will strengthen our law enforcement efforts and save lives. Additionally, the bill creates regional drug prosecutors to assist local District Attorney's prosecuting drug crimes.
Source: Urban Milwaukee on 2018 Wisconsin Senate race
Jan 19, 2018
Leah Vukmir:
Don't let our veterans down, like with opioids at Tomah VA
Vukmir met with veterans, heard their concerns, and then criticized Baldwin over her response to the opioid scandal at the Tomah Veterans Affairs Medical Center."Make no mistake about it: Tammy Baldwin let our veterans down at the Tomah VA," said
Vukmir, a state senator from Brookfield. "To have sat on a report, to have been the only person in this congressional delegation to have known that a doctor was over-prescribing opioids, a veteran died and many others became addicted, to me, it's
unconscionable."
The Tomah VA was wracked several years ago by a scandal involving over-prescription of opioids. Republicans accuse Baldwin of failing to act in 2015 on problems at the facility. Baldwin disciplined top aides for bungling whistleblower
complaints about the facility, including sitting on an inspector general's report. Since then, Baldwin co-sponsored legislation that toughened opioid prescription guidelines and pushes education for VA providers.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on 2018 Wisconsin Senate race
Sep 19, 2018
Leah Vukmir:
Keep marijuana a Schedule 1 drug; no medical use
Q: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?Tammy Baldwin (D): Yes. Early supporter of medical. Sponsored bill to remove federal penalties & let states decide.
Leah Vukmir (R): No. Opposes recreational use & believes that "as a Schedule 1 drug. it has very little medical use."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Wisconsin Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Mandela Barnes:
Pun-filled tweets support governor's legalization plan
For his part, Barnes has been cheering on the governor's marijuana plan in a series of pun-filled tweets. "Maybe I'm being blunt, but it's high time we stop living in the failed past," he wrote in one post. "Other states take advantage of
Wisconsin weed tourists who leave the state for greener pastures. What was once a pipe dream is now long overdue.""We have to do this," he said in another. "If Iowa legalizes before us, Wisconsin will be in a geographical weed bowl."
Source: Marijuana Moment on 2022 Wisconsin Senate race
Feb 11, 2021
Phil Anderson:
Marijuana isn't a gateway drug
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Marijuana is a gateway drug"?
A: Oppose. Marijuana is a gateway drug ONLY insofar as the government forces people to deal with criminals to obtain it.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Wisconsin Governor candidate
May 18, 2018
Ron Johnson:
No federal legalization; but let's see how states do
Q: On Marijuana: Decriminalize and/or legalize marijuana? Feingold: Voted earlier for lower drug sentences, but unclear position on legalization.
Johnson: Opposes recreational legalization, but open to seeing results in states that have approved it.
Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Wisconsin Senate race
Oct 9, 2016
Ron Johnson:
Unsecure Mexican border is a gateway for drug traffickers
The Senate Homeland Security Committee, chaired by Wisconsin Republican Ron Johnson, is holding a hearing in the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix on "America's heroin epidemic at the border". Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), calling his state "ground
zero in the fight against heroin trafficking from Mexico to the United States," has said the hearing will focus on international cartels and how government can combat them.
[Ron Johnson said in his opening statement]: "America's borders are not secure. One key indicator is the fact that we are interdicting only 5% to 10% of illegal drugs crossing our southwest border. The declining price of heroin--from a nationwide average
of $3,260 per gram of pure heroin in 1981 to $465 in 2012--is a metric that proves the point. Our unsecure Arizona-Mexico border has become a gateway for drug traffickers to distribute illicit drugs across the country."
Source: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel on 2016 Wisconsin Senate race
Nov 21, 2015
Ron Johnson:
Death penalty for drug dealers
Q: At a rally last night, the president made the case for the death penalty for drug dealers. Let's listen to this. (VIDEO CLIP): TRUMP: When I was in China and other places, I said, "Mr. President, do you have a drug problem?" "No, no, no, we do
not." I said, "huh, big country, 1.4 billion people, right? Not much a drug problem." I said, "What do you attribute that to?" "Well, the death penalty." So, honestly, I don't know that the United States, frankly, is ready for it. They should be ready
for it.
(END VIDEO) Q: Now, the death penalty for drug dealers, is that something that you agree with? And should we be following China's lead when it comes to criminal justice?
JOHNSON: I would say we probably should not be following
China's lead when it comes to criminal justice. I'm a supporter of the death penalty, but only in those types of instances where we absolutely are 100% certain that the person is 100% guilty. I'm not sure it would be applicable to drug offenses.
Source: CNN interviews for 2018 Wisconsin Senate race
Mar 11, 2018
Scott Walker:
More drug testing for unemployment insurance applicants
We write to you today in support of H.J. Res. 42, your legislation that would disapprove of the US Department of Labor's recent regulation regarding states' ability to drug test individuals who apply for unemployment insurance (UI).
Congress authorized the Labor Department to craft a rule that would provide states the option to drug test unemployment insurance applicants. Unfortunately, the Obama Administration drafted the rule too narrowly, undermining the intent of
Congress and permitting drug testing in too few instances.
Drug testing UI applicants can help individuals suffering from substance abuse to access necessary care and treatment so they may re-enter the workforce as healthy and productive members of
society. We believe this rule should be replaced with a new rule that allows increased flexibility for states to implement UI drug testing that best fits the needs of each state. We look forward to working with Congress on this issue going forward.
Source: 2018 Wisconsin Governor campaign press release
Feb 10, 2017
Scott Walker:
Opposes legalization of both medical & recreational use
Q: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?Tony Evers (D): Legalize medical use. Determine recreational legalization through statewide referendum.
Scott Walker (R): No. Opposes legalization of both medical & recreational use, except cannabis-based oil for seizure patients.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Wisconsin Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Tammy Baldwin:
Legalize medical marijuana; let states decide
Q: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?Tammy Baldwin (D): Yes. Early supporter of medical. Sponsored bill to remove federal penalties & let states decide.
Leah Vukmir (R): No. Opposes recreational use & believes that "as a Schedule 1 drug. it has very little medical use."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Wisconsin Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Tim Michels:
Against legalization, thinks it's a slippery slope
Michels, in separate radio interviews earlier this summer, said he opposes legalization. "I do not. I do not support the legalization of marijuana,"
Michels said in an interview in May on WTAQ. "I think it's all a slippery slope. I really do."
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on 2022 Wisconsin Governor race
Jul 28, 2022
Tommy Thompson:
More resources to target meth production
Methamphetamine Agents: The governor is targeting one of the fastest growing and most dangerous drugs in the state by adding
three agents to combat methamphetamine production and distribution in western Wisconsin.
Source: Wisconsin Governor's web site, "Budget"
Dec 25, 2000
Tony Evers:
Legalize medical use; referendum on recreational use
Q: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?Tony Evers (D): Legalize medical use. Determine recreational legalization through statewide referendum.
Scott Walker (R): No. Opposes legalization of both medical & recreational use, except cannabis-based oil for seizure patients.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Wisconsin Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Eric Hovde:
Not a libertarian when it comes to drugs
NORML Politician Info: rated C - Candidate: Eric Hovde (R - WI): Candidate in race for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, August 13, 2024
- Summary: DECRIMINALIZE/MEDICAL USE
- Biography: "What about
legalizing marijuana?" A member of the audience asks Hovde. "I'm opposed to that because I think it's a gateway--" Hovde responds: "I get the argument that marijuana is a lot less harmful than any other drug--including, arguably, alcohol--and that kids
[might] try marijuana because it's illegal, and think 'Oh, I handled that, so I can try something harder.' So, I get that argument from people that are pro-marijuana. -- The easier solution would [be] to just decriminalize it. Don't make it a commercial
enterprise.
- Position on Medical Marijuana: "I'm a libertarian in most cases--not when it comes to drugs," he continues. "But if somebody says, 'OK, for medical reasons or whatever, I want to grow a plant, I want to smoke it.'
Source: NORML "Smoke the Vote" on 2024 Wisconsin Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Phil Anderson:
Rated A by NORML on marijuana reform
NORML Politician Info: rated A - Candidate: Phil Anderson (DTC - WI): Candidate in race for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, August 13, 2024
- Summary: LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE/DECRIMINALIZE/MEDICAL USE
- Biography: Phil Anderson is a Libertarian running under the Republican party, as he addresses in his WI EYE Interview.
He pledges not to change his libertarian views and goals. His campaign has included cannabis reform as a priority and part of his criminal justice reform.
-
Position on Marijuana Legalization: Supports
- Position on Marijuana Decriminalization: Supports
- Position on Medical Marijuana: Supports
Source: NORML "Smoke the Vote" on 2024 Wisconsin Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Tammy Baldwin:
Rated A+ by NORML: long-time advocate for cannabis
NORML Politician Info: rated A+- Candidate: Tammy Baldwin (D-WI): Holds office: U.S. Senate; Candidate for Senate on August 13, 2024
- Summary: LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE/DECRIMINALIZE/MEDICAL USE
- Biography: Senator Baldwin has been a long-time advocate for cannabis consumers.
- Comments: Senator Baldwin has "long supported decriminalization of marijuana," She said her support is based on "a number of
different reasons, including the ramifications when use and possession is criminalized". (12/2/22)
- "Baldwin, a longtime supporter of medical cannabis dating back to her days in the State Assembly and before will be facing the winner of the
GOP primary. Her position has been consistently and strongly supportive and she has regularly cosponsored federal medical cannabis legislation in Congress." (8/13/12)
Source: NORML "Smoke the Vote" on 2024 Wisconsin Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Francesca Hong:
It's simple: Cannabis should be legal
It's simple: Cannabis should be legal. By developing a licensing system like Michigan's, staffed by regulators familiar with the industry, Fran will finally make this safe recreational and medicinal drug legal in Wisconsin and use the revenue to fund
languishing state infrastructure like rural broadband. Fran will also exhaust every resource possible to expand eligibility for expungement, work to get people out of jail, and help get them good-paying jobs in the new industry.
Source: 2026 Wisconsin Governor campaign website FrancescaHong.com
Feb 5, 2026
Kelda Helen Roys:
Tax and regulate cannabis instead of criminalizing it
Tax and regulate cannabis instead of criminalizing it, and instead, direct those law enforcement resources to solving serious crimes. Treat substance use disorder, mental illness, and behavioral health needs primarily
within the healthcare realm, instead of using our jails and prisons to expensively warehouse people who are struggling but not a threat to others.
Source: 2026 Wisconsin Gubernatorial campaign website KeldaRoys.com
Feb 6, 2026
Sara Rodriguez:
Legalization ensures regulation and testing
As a nurse, I want to be clear: marijuana is not harm-free, and we must keep it out of kids' hands. But legalizing and regulating it could bring in millions in tax revenue.
It's also about safety--right now, people don't know what they're getting on the underground market. Legalization ensures regulation and testing.
Source: Racine County Eye on 2026 Wisconsin Gubernatorial race
Sep 24, 2025
Tom Tiffany:
Marijuana is being used to put fentanyl in it
I voted for study in regards to marijuana. Marijuana is much different than it was 30 to 40 years ago, far more powerful. First of all, I'm very concerned it's being used as a vector for fentanyl.
Fentanyl is the number one killer of young people, 18 to 45 years of age, and marijuana is being used to put fentanyl in it. So I think we need to be very careful about that.
Source: WSAW TV-7 on 2026 Wisconsin Gubernatorial race
Oct 24, 2019
Page last updated: Mar 14, 2026