• Home
  • News
    • Politics / Govt
    • Legislature
    • Crime / Courts
    • Health / Medicine
    • Archives
  • Sports
    • Badgers
    • Packers
      • Titletown Report
    • Brewers
  • Contact Us
    • Reporters
  • Affiliates
    • Affiliate Support

Wisconsin Radio Network

Wisconsin News and Sports

You are here: Home / News / Rivard’s tearful swan song

Rivard’s tearful swan song

November 13, 2012 By Jackie Johnson

Representative Roger Rivard says goodbye to Assembly GOP colleagues. (PHOTO: Jackie Johnson)

After welcoming new members to the Assembly GOP caucus, those who lost reelection say farewell to their colleagues, that includes Rice Lake Republican Roger Rivard.

“Wow, what a ride, huh?”

Rivard’s controversial comments on rape have cost him political support — financial and otherwise — and ultimately his job. Rivard chokes up as he tells fellow Republicans that it was a great pleasure to serve with them, many of whom, he says, became his good friends who’ll remain that way forever.

“One thing about serving with you … and even the last three weeks have been pretty rough, especially on my wife.” Rivard attempts to keep his emotions in check. “And uh, a lot of you people called and texted me and phoned me and emailed me. You’re true friends and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that. I really can’t.”

Suder and Rivard embrace as Rivard says final words as a lawmaker. (PHOTO: Jackie Johnson)

It’s been very rough, he says, especially the last few weeks. Then-Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan and Governor Scott Walker were among those who had publicly withdrawn their endorsements of Rivard’s reelection campaign.

Rivard says he’ll survive. “What I’ve got looking forward to me and my future is only good; it’s only up. It can’t get any worse than it is right now.”

Majority Leader Scott Suder (R-Abbotsford) sings Rivard’s praises in front of the caucus as he says goodbye to his fellow lawmaker and “dear, dear friend.” Suder says, “I am very, very proud to not only call you a colleague, but our friend. You are always welcome in this caucus.”

Republican lawmakers applaud Rivard as he says he’ll continue to fight to do what’s right. Rivard was first elected to the Assembly in 2010. He lost his reelection bid on November 6th to Rice Lake Democrat Stephen Smith.

AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report 1:41

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: News, Politics / Govt, Top Story



Featured Stories

Evers delivers State of the State address

Abortion rights rally highlights Wisconsin Supreme Court race

Bail and benefits questions will be on Wisconsin’s April statewide ballot

Evers issues promised TikTok ban

Johnson, Baldwin both vote ‘yes’ to avert rail strike

TwitterFacebook

Sports Headlines

Giannis breaks franchise scoring record, Bucks beat Nets in OT

Wisconsin’s Davis declares for NBA Draft

Badgers to face Arizona State in Las Vegas Bowl

Williams likely out for the season with broken hand

Packers releasing TE Jace Sternberger

More Sports

Tweets by @WRN

Get our news delivered to your inbox:

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Copyright © 2023 · Learfield News & Ag, LLC

 

Loading Comments...