### Wisconsin Republicans Pivot to Kamala Harris Over Trump Concerns

In an unexpected political move, several Wisconsin Republicans have announced their decision to support Vice President Kamala Harris for president, breaking away from former President Donald Trump. This shift stems from growing apprehensions that Trump may not safeguard the Constitution, coupled with criticisms of his unpredictable behavior on the campaign trail and his contentious promises to deploy the U.S. military against perceived domestic adversaries.

Highlighting this significant turn, former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney has made two visits to Wisconsin, a critical battleground state, encouraging Republicans to dissociate from Trump. Cheney's advocacy was joined by conservative commentator Charlie Sykes, known for his vocal disapproval of Trump.

Republican state Sen. Rob Cowles of Green Bay, who has been a fixture in the Wisconsin Legislature since 1987 but opted not to seek reelection, expressed serious concerns regarding the potential dangers posed by Trump's leadership. In an interview with Civic Media, Cowles emphasized the importance of preserving the Constitution and protecting democracy, even if it means supporting a candidate with differing political views.

Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly, who distanced himself from the Republican Party following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, echoed similar sentiments. Reilly voiced his rejection of Trump, citing fundamental disagreements with Trump's character and values as decisive factors in his support for Harris.

Joining the chorus of Republican voices advocating for Harris, Tiffany Koehler from Washington County, a former candidate for the Wisconsin Assembly, reinforced the necessity of prioritizing the country over party loyalty. Koehler emphasized that this election represents a pivotal moment in American history.

Despite these endorsements, not all Republican Trump critics are willing to support Harris. Prominent figures like former U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble and former Speaker Paul Ryan have opted not to endorse Trump but also refrain from backing Harris.

Trump's campaign team responded robustly to these defections, asserting that Harris is unfit to lead, deeming her policies hazardous for the nation. In a statement, Trump Campaign National Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized Harris's stance on gun control, criminal justice, and border security, framing the election as a stark choice between freedom and communism.

While Trump's campaign remains focused on consolidating support, Cheney has openly endorsed Harris, describing her candidacy as crucial at this juncture in America's political landscape. At a recent event in Brookfield, Cheney, who was ousted from her Republican leadership position for opposing Trump, praised Harris for her efforts to bridge political divides.

In another notable development, Craig Peterson, a Milwaukee-based GOP strategist, is leading a faction of Republicans who had previously supported Nikki Haley or other GOP candidates in the primary but now endorse Harris. This movement has found resonance, particularly among women in the traditionally conservative WOW counties (Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington).

Peterson stressed that while there are disagreements with some of Harris's policies, the overarching concern lies in safeguarding democracy from what he perceives as Trump's authoritarian tendencies. He argues that without supporting Harris, the future of American democracy remains uncertain.

This surprising turn among Wisconsin Republicans underscores the deepening fractures within the party and reflects broader national discontents heading into a highly consequential election.