Dear Friend,

Freedom isn’t free. We use these words to express our gratitude to the men and women in uniform who defend our personal freedoms from foreign enemies. We are thankful because we can never surrender basic liberties, including the right to free speech, the right against unlawful search and seizure of our property, and the right to due process under the law.

Six years ago, Wisconsin conservatives like me learned what it’s like to have these basic freedoms ripped away by partisan prosecutors.Innocent people were subjected to the secret seizure of their phone, bank, tax and email records, armed pre-dawn raids took place at their homes and offices, and an unconstitutional gag order threatened to send us to jail if we told anyone about it. 

It wasn’t the first time Wisconsin prosecutors had abused their considerable power for political purposes. But it was the first time their victims fought back and won.

Today, we see the same abuses playing out nationally at the hands of corrupt law enforcement agencies and congressional leaders. And here at home our lawmakers and courts continue to place government priorities over our rights.

Now more than ever, Wisconsin needs a strong and effective voice to promote a conservative agenda and stand up to an expansive and unaccountable government that threatens our most cherished freedoms. Today we are launching Empower Wisconsin to be that voice. 

Please join us!

Eric O’Keefe

Eric O’Keefe is president of Empower Wisconsin’s 501(c)(3) organization. The political strategist, activist and author has played an active role in national organizations, including Center for Competitive Politics, Citizens for Self Governance, and the Sam Adams Alliance.Power