Wisconsin mayor slams GOP ad linking senator to parade tragedy

In Waukesha, Wisconsin, Mayor Shawn Reilly condemned a campaign advertisement by a Republican super PAC that linked Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin to the tragic Christmas parade incident in 2021, where six people were killed. The ad, which began airing recently, was funded by One Nation, a group associated with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Reilly described the ad as a 'pitiful political tool' that exacerbates the pain of the community still healing from the tragedy. The advertisement features footage from the parade and claims that Baldwin's voting record contributed to the circumstances surrounding the release of Darrell Brooks Jr., who drove his SUV through the parade route. Brooks had been released on a $1,000 bail shortly before the incident, a decision that was criticized by the local district attorney, who later acknowledged that the bail amount was too low. Baldwin's campaign responded to the ad, emphasizing that using the tragedy for political gain is not only inappropriate but also deeply hurtful to those affected. The ad attempts to create a narrative that Baldwin's actions made it easier for violent criminals to harm communities, which has drawn significant backlash from both local leaders and Baldwin's supporters. The mayor's condemnation reflects a broader concern about the exploitation of community tragedies for political purposes. Reilly's comments echo a joint statement made by Baldwin and Republican Senator Ron Johnson shortly after the parade, urging against the politicization of such events. The ongoing Senate race is crucial for Democrats, making the use of sensitive issues like this particularly contentious.