The Ronald Reagan Legacy Project has again asked for all governors to proclaim Feb 6. Ronald Reagan Day in honor of the 40th president’s birthday. Once again, Gov. Tony Evers has refused to do so.
The liberal governor, however, has been glad to issue all manner of proclamations celebrating everything from Transit Equity Day to Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Evers is not alone. This year, 26 states have proclaimed Ronald Reagan Day. Most of Evers’ Democrat peers have once again rejected the call to honor a man many historians — on the right and left — believe to be one of the United States of America’s greatest presidents. Reagan was, after all, a Republican.
According to the Legacy Project, only two Democrats have issued proclamations celebrating Ronald Reagan Day: Phil Murphy of New Jersey and Gavin Newsom in California. As far left as Newsom may be, not recognizing Reagan, an extremely popular Golden State governor in his time, would not play well politically.
“Even amid an assassination attempt just 69 days into his time in office, the President’s energy and spirit remained bright,” Newsom wrote in a 2021 proclamation. “President Reagan helped usher in a peaceful end to the Cold War and enacted comprehensive immigration reform that provided a path to citizenship for thousands of undocumented immigrants.”
But Newsom’s sentiments apparently aren’t shared with his liberal peers.
Evers’ office did not return a request for comment from The Star News Network asking why he did not issue a proclamation.
He has issued proclamations recognizing Weatherization Day, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Day, Bisexual Pride and Visibility Day, Wisconsin Women in Conservation Week, and National Bike to School Day.
But when it comes to the president who tamed inflation and won the Cold War, Evers doesn’t seem to have the time.
The Ronald Reagan Legacy Project is a special project of Grover Norquist’s Americans for Tax Reform (ATF).
“In addition to ensuring that every February 6th is known as ‘Ronald Reagan Day,’ we work to encourage the naming of landmarks, buildings, roads, etc. after Ronald Wilson Reagan,” the Legacy Project states on its website. “We continue compiling a list of Reagan dedications that remind American society of the life and legacy of President Reagan.”
“Each one of these dedications serve as a teaching moment for those who were not yet alive during his presidency or to grant those who remember him with the opportunity to reflect on his accomplishments.”
Read more at ATF.
– – –
M.D. Kittle is the National Political Editor for The Star News Network.
Photo “Tony Evers” by Governor Tony Evers. Background Photo “Ronald Reagan” by The U.S. National Archives.
