SPASH graduate announces run for governor

WISCONSIN — Kirk Bangstad, a graduate of Stevens Point Area Senior High School, announced his intent to enter the race for Wisconsin’s next governor.
Bangstad grew up in Portage County and graduated from Stevens Point Area High School, and now operates Minocqua Brewing Company. Minocqua Brewing Company sells political themed products, with their beer and wine often named after liberal politicians, current issues, and more.
Bangstad’s name has been in recent state headlines following comments he made about the attempted shooting that occurred at the White House Correspondent’s Dinner on April 25. Bangstad previously made an offer though his brewery’s social media to give away free beer to customers on the day “he dies”, which many believe is implied to be Donald Trump. Following the attempted April 25 shooting, Minocqua Brewing Company’s Facebook page posted, “Well, we almost got #freebeerday. Either a brother or sister in the Resistance needs to work on their marksmanship or he faked another assassination to get a positive news cycle. We’ll never know. Regardless, we stand at the ready to pour free beer the day it happens.”
The post drew state wide and national attention—but also the attention of the Secret Service and the FBI. Agents from the FBI and Secret Service visited Bangstad at his Minocqua Brewery, which Bangstad shared through a live stream on the Brewery’s Facebook page. The agents asked Bangstad questions such as if he himself or anyone he knew wished to harm or kill the Vice President or the President. Bangstad replied that he did not wish to harm or kill the Vice President or President and did not know anyone who would.
The following day, Bangstad held a beer tasting event at his Minocqua Brewery where he announced his intent to run for the governor of Wisconsin.
“I’m not going to stand for this anymore and I’m going to run for governor of Wisconsin.” Bangstad said at the event. Bangstad said he called politicians he knows and asked them to run, but ultimately made the decision to run himself. “We need someone who is battle tested and can stand up to Trump. I’ve been called a Trump of the left.”
Bangstad plans to enter the race amongst an already packed field of democrat candidates and republican candidate Tom Tiffany.