Trump-endorsed GOP candidate calls on people to take up 'pitchforks and torches' against the 'liberal media'

• A Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor has told people to take up "pitchforks and torches."
• Tim Michels was angered by a news report about his donations to anti-abortion and anti-gay groups.

A Republican candidate running for Wisconsin governor has told people to take up "pitchforks and torches" after it was revealed he has been donating to anti-abortion groups.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Tim Michels, a wealthy businessman endorsed by former President Donald Trump, according to AP, has donated $250,000 to anti-LGBTQ and anti-abortion groups, representing about 15% of his total donations in 2020.

Michels has said, "I believe people should just, just be ready to get out on the streets with pitchforks and torches with how low the liberal media has become," according to AP.

A spokesperson for the Democratic candidate Tony Evers tweeted that Michels had gone too far.

"Instead of explaining why he's funding groups working to ban access to abortion and contraception, Tim Michels is encouraging violence," Sam Roecker said, "he's too radical for Wisconsin."

Adding to the criticism, Hannah Menchhff, a Wisconsin Democratic Party spokesperson, said Michels' comments were an "extreme attempt to pander to Donald Trump and the MAGA base," according to AP.

Michels' campaign spokesperson, Anna Kelly, rejected criticism of Michel's comments.

"Only political hacks and media accomplices would freak out about Tim using a figure of speech to emphasize the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's ridiculous characterization of his donations to churches, nuns, and charitable causes as 'radical,'" AP reports.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel executive editor George Stanley defended the outlet's right to scrutinize politicians.

"Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporters are independent of all political parties and special interest groups," Stanley said, reported AP. "We are committed to accuracy so citizens can make up their own minds and stay in charge of their government."