WISCONSIN (MacIver Institute) -- The August partisan primary is tomorrow. If you haven't voted already, make a plan to vote. Primaries are lower turnout elections, so your voice matters more than usual.
After the primaries, the general election landscape will take shape and MacIver will be on top of all the key issues that will be at stake.
Spotlight
Michael Lucas continues his examination of socialism by connecting it to historical fascism. He argues that once fascism is properly defined as a form of national socialism rooted in syndicalism and state direction of the economy, many modern self-described anti-fascists and democratic socialists share far more in common with the Fascists of the past than they care to admit.
Deep Dive
MacIver examines the original design of the Wisconsin Elections Commission as a 3–3 partisan body intended to force negotiation through adversarial balance. Instead, Democratic commissioners have aggressively advanced their agenda—endorsing candidates, intervening in lawsuits over absentee ballot spoiling—while many Republican commissioners have treated the agency as a neutral administrative body.
The result is a one-way street that undermines the commission’s intended function. The piece argues that either Republican commissioners must fully embrace the partisan role the statute assigned them, or the agency itself needs fundamental redesign to restore genuine bipartisan accountability.
Read the full perspectives piece here.
Your support makes the difference!
As MacIver continues to expose risky contracts, demand real election integrity, and fight back against wasteful government spending, your contribution fuels the independent research and fearless accountability Wisconsin taxpayers deserve. While politicians expand bureaucracy and special interests tighten their grip, MacIver stands firm for limited government, school choice, and free-market solutions that put hardworking families first. If you believe in protecting Wisconsin’s future from bigger government and more taxes, please consider making a contribution today to help us expand this vital work.
Coming Soon
Thinking Like a Historian…About What?
Richard Moore explores how historical thinking is being applied—or misapplied—in contemporary political and cultural debates.
You Should Know
Eric Toney: Madison Autonomous Zone Shows Lack Of Leadership
Benjamin Yount reports that Republican Attorney General candidate Eric Toney is criticizing Madison leadership after city crews finally cleared a two-week autonomous zone that formed following a police shooting. Protesters occupied the intersection of Baldwin and Williamson Streets with tents, mattresses, and porta-potties, disrupting local businesses and residents.
Toney argued the occupation never should have been allowed, noting it violated traffic codes and reflected a failure of leadership by the mayor and city council to support the Madison Police Department. He said the zone handed control of a public intersection to activists and outsiders while residents and business owners suffered the consequences. Read the full story here.
Quick Click
Tiffany Criticizes Hong’s Campaign Stop, Socialism, Past Tweets
Tom Tiffany is sharpening his criticism of Democratic frontrunner Francesca Hong, highlighting her past statements on defunding the police and abolishing institutions, as well as her campaign appearance with progressive figures. Tiffany continues to position Wisconsin as a firewall against socialism.
For Your Commute
The latest MacIver News Minute warns of the rise of socialism in Wisconsin and across the country. Give it a listen.
Last Update: Aug 10, 2026 12:28 pm CDT
