Candidate Answers: David Liners, AD21
We sent all candidates for the state legislature with contested primary races a set of questions. We are publishing their responses as we receive them.
Here’s answers from David Liners, who is running in Assembly District 21. AD21 covers Oak Creek and part of Milwaukee. It leans blue (+4.1 Democratic), but and is an open seat because Republican incumbent Jessie Rodriguez is retiring.
We wrote a little about Liners and his competition back in May. Old Dan strongly recommends Liners, and also wrote about party insiders trying to prevent a primary in AD21. You can read more about Liners and support him by visiting his campaign website.
The Questionnaire
1. Yes or no, will you help repeal or re-write the following harmful legislation:
Collective bargaining restriction (2011 Act 10)?
Yes.
The Shared Revenue Deal (2023 Act 12)?
Yes.
Felony trespass for water protectors (2019 Act 33)?
Yes.
The 1848 abortion law?
Yes.
The anti-BDS law (2017 Act 248)?
Yes.
The IHRA law (2025 Act 143)?
Yes.
2. Yes or No, will you vote for the following proposed legislation?
The socialist caucus' tax plan?
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Tenant Protections, including Right to council?
Yes.
Yes.
The Hospital Accountability Act?
Yes.
The Climate Accountability Act?
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
High speed train connecting Milwaukee and Madison to Chicago and Minneapolis?
I THINK SO. I assume, Yes, but I'm not sure what the actual proposal looks like.
3. How else will you use your position in the legislature to advance an agenda that promptly delivers a more affordable life to people struggling in our state?
We need a Justice Reinvestment Act -- a comprehensive 3 year plan to reduce the prison population by half (through reduced Revocations, increased Treatment Alternatives, increased Compassionate Release and Commutations), closure of at least Green Bay Correctional, Waupun Correctional, and the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility, and re-investment of at least $100 million/year of the savings in community-based programs for jobs, mental health, youth programs, and the like.
4. In recent years the Democratic Party of Wisconsin and the Senate and Assembly Coordinating Committees have heavily prioritized fundraising, especially from wealthy elites and the business community. How have you seen this impact Democratic Party policies, electoral success, and internal culture?
It has become very clear to me in the race for AD21 that donors and insiders feel it is their role to decide who can and should run as a Democrat, and to use their financial power to promote "moderate" Democrats. This feeds to cynicism of many voters who have told me at doors that they have given up on politics because they see both parties as catering to big money interests rather than to the people.