Wisconsin Gov.-elect Tony Evers calls Republican bill 'a hot mess'

(KMSP) - In an interview with Fox 9, Wisconsin Gov.-elect Tony Evers called a Republican bill that would strip him of some powers during a lame duck session of the Legislature “a mess, a hot mess.”

“It has many things in there that, frankly, were never part of this last campaign,” Evers said. “Basically, I view this as an attempt by the Legislature to subvert the will of 2.6 million people who voted in this election.”

Asked if he’ll sue if the legislation passes before he takes office, Evers says “we’re weighing all options.” He said his first priority is making sure the bill doesn’t pass.

When asked about Gov. Scott Walker, who has not yet said whether he would sign the lame duck bill, Evers said, “As he does this, think about the legacy that his actions will be on this issue. I have a lot of respect for him, and I hope he considers that.”

One provision would require approval from the GOP-controlled Legislature before Democratic AG-elect Josh Kaul could withdraw Wisconsin from a lawsuit over Obamacare.

Evers said, “This is a direct slap in the face to the people of Wisconsin who participated in the last election.”

Republicans have said they fear laws will be undone by political maneuvering from Evers and Kaul without a clear mandate since the GOP kept large majorities in the Legislature.

“I understand why they’re saying that. I don’t necessarily agree with it,” Evers said.

He also said the issue has “stirred a hornet’s nest” and he wants people to enter the conversation “civilly.”

A public hearing is scheduled for Monday afternoon.

The GOP bill would:

-Take away the power of the incoming Democratic governor and attorney general to exit the state’s Obamacare lawsuit without first getting approval from the Republican Legislature.

-Shorten Wisconsin’s early voting period.

-Move the state’s 2020 presidential primary, which GOP leaders acknowledge is a move meant to help the conservative state Supreme Court candidate that year.

-Block Evers from withdrawing from a plan to require childless adults to work in order to receive health insurance through the state.

-The governor would no longer control the state’s top jobs agency, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.