Wisconsin Senate candidate Mandela Barnes struggled to name his own climate-related accomplishments when asked by a student at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
The question connected to the candidate’s role on the Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change, where he serves as the chair. Yet, he could not provide an example of successful implementation of the group’s recommendations.
“Of the 55 policy recommendations outlined by the Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change report, how many have actually been successfully implemented?” the individual asked.
“In our state budget, it was some of the, it was some of the harder pieces with agriculture that did, actually get—I think that may have actually. I need to get back to you with the legislature, with actually passing the state budget. Some of the money for workforce development grants—um, that’s a good question,” Barnes, who is a Democrat, attempted to respond.
“I’m really, really jogging my brain here. I’d be happy to get back—you’re from the paper. I’d be happy to get back to you on more. I’m just really trying, I should have had these written down.”
WATCH: Mandela Barnes couldn't name one policy proposal that has been successfully implemented out of the 55 recommendations put forward by Gov. Evers' climate change task force.
He's the chair of the task force. pic.twitter.com/XsMZytsETV
— America Rising (@AmericaRising) March 1, 2022
Despite his inability to explain any potential success, Barnes routinely highlights the role during his campaign.
“Governor Evers recognized Mandela’s expertise and years of work on environmental issues by appointing him as chair of the Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change. The Task Force brought together a diverse coalition of farmers, environmental advocates, Indigenous leaders, and business executives to produce 55 concrete strategies for how Wisconsin can begin to address the climate crisis,” his campaign website claims.
According to the National Republican Senatorial Committee, his response proves he is someone “who constantly blows smoke.”
“Mandela Barnes loves to tout his ‘good work’ for the state of Wisconsin but doesn’t have any accomplishments to show for it. Sounds like he’s just all talk, but that’s old news. This time around he was called out for it and didn’t know how to recover. Wisconsinites need someone who delivers results, not someone who constantly blows smoke,” said NRSC Spokeswoman Lizzie Litzow.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Wisconsin Daily Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Mandela Barnes” by America Rising.Â
