Hovde, Baldwin exchange barbs, launch tours

(The Center Square) – Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Republican challenger Eric Hovde are facing criticism from both the press and each other, heightening tensions surrounding both candidates in the Wisconsin Senate race.

Following Baldwin’s notable absence when President Joe Biden visited Madison on Friday, Hovde has targeted both her affiliation with and new hesitation regarding the president.

In a recent press call, Hovde rhetorically asked during a press call if Baldwin was part of a “coverup” related to Biden’s health.

“Now Senator Baldwin, who supports Joe Biden – as all of you know, votes with him 95.5% of the time – has been an ally of his for a long time, knows him exceptionally well,” said Hovde. “One, did she know that President Biden’s capabilities were diminishing? Has she been part of the coverup from the American public of how much Joe Biden has declined?”

The Center Square was unsuccessful getting comment from Baldwin on Hovde’s statements.

Baldwin, for her part, has called out her opponent on social media for saying it’s “stupid” that 26-year-olds can still remain on parents’ health insurance. Hovde has also received media backlash for statements that seemed to compare American Black culture with poverty in Africa.

Over the last few days, Baldwin has traveled Wisconsin on her “Fired Up for Tammy” tour, her stated reason for not attending Biden’s visit.

Hovde announced Monday he is embarking on a week-long RV tour, “Restore the American Dream Roadtrip,” to visit 28 counties across the state in preparation for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next week.

The most recent polls from Marquette Law School show Wisconsinites favor Baldwin over Hovde.