David Powell
Updated on: October 8, 2024 10:46 am GMT
WAUNAKEE, WI — With just two months remaining in his campaign to unseat Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin, Republican candidate Eric Hovde made a significant stop at a metal fabrication facility in Dane County on Saturday. During his visit, he interacted with employees and addressed several pressing issues, including tax reform and job outsourcing. The event comes amid growing scrutiny over Hovde’s business record and its implications for Wisconsin’s economy.
Touring Dane Manufacturing
Hovde visited Dane Manufacturing where he delivered a campaign speech to employees, who voiced their concerns on a range of topics including cryptocurrency, abortion, and his ties to Wisconsin. The visit was part of Hovde’s strategy to solidify his presence in the manufacturing sector, which remains an important part of the state’s economy.
During a preceding interview with the Associated Press, Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly criticized a television advertisement from a Republican-affiliated group that linked Baldwin to a 2021 Christmas parade attack that resulted in six fatalities. Reilly urged Hovde to denounce the advertisement; however, Hovde stated he was not familiar with it and redirected the conversation to his own experiences with attack ads targeting him.
Addressing Allegations of Job Outsourcing
Hovde’s campaign has faced backlash following reports that, between 2008 and 2010, his investment firm, Hovde Capital, funneled millions into companies that subsequently outsourced jobs from Wisconsin. Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesperson Arik Wolk called attention to these investments, claiming Hovde lacks respect for the state’s workforce. Hovde, however, dismissed these accusations, arguing that as an investor, he had no operational control over the companies’ employment decisions.
“You have a 401(k)? Do you have a pension plan? Because if you do, they invest in publicly traded companies,” Hovde explained. He further defended his record by emphasizing that none of his ventures have led to job losses in Wisconsin, asserting, “No company I own has laid off anybody.”
Tax Policy and Business Climate
Hovde advocated for extending the Trump-era Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, set to expire at the end of 2025, to level the playing field for small and medium-sized businesses. He criticized existing tax loopholes that benefit larger corporations and voiced a desire for a simpler tax code that eliminates such discrepancies. “Our whole tax system needs to be vastly more simplified,” he stated.
The senator, aware of his position trailing in recent polls, maintained that his campaign strategy would remain unchanged. “I’m out there every single day, engaging with people, talking about issues that matter to them — the economy, domestic security, and so on,” Hovde explained.
Polling Landscape and Campaign Dynamics
Recent polling data indicates that Baldwin retains a lead over Hovde among registered voters, with a favorability rating of 53% to Hovde’s 46%, and 52% to 47% among likely voters, according to a Marquette University Law School poll conducted last month. This slight shift illustrates a closing gap between the two candidates compared to earlier in the campaign season.
Baldwin benefits from a significantly larger campaign war chest, having raised nearly $30 million by late July, compared to Hovde’s almost $14 million. Polling suggests that while Baldwin is well-positioned, Hovde’s extensive outreach may help him narrow the divide in the upcoming months.
Reactions and Future Implications
Despite Hovde’s attempts to frame his campaign around positive messaging, he continues to face criticism over his past investments and the broader impact on Wisconsin workers. As the election approaches, Democratic leaders, including Baldwin’s team, are likely to leverage this history against him, asserting that his decisions may have harmful repercussions for local job markets.
Hovde’s campaign plans are going to be closely watched, especially when it comes to his investments and ideas about tax reform. As he tries to reach out to voters, his business choices could really influence how people see him as election day gets closer.
