Wisconsin Democrats threaten to skip Assembly inauguration over masks December 30, 2020 1:38 PM Associated Press Updated: MADISON, Wis., (AP) — Wisconsin Assembly Democrats are considering skipping next week’s inauguration ceremony because Republicans who control the chamber aren’t mandating lawmakers and staffers wear masks and they believe an in-person ceremony is too risky as the coronavirus pandemic rages on. Assembly Minority Leader Gordon Hintz said during a phone interview Thursday that he’s afraid the lack of masks and packing people into an enclosed space during Monday’s ceremony could spread the COVID-19 virus. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers swore in the Assembly’s 38 Democratic members virtually this week so they don’t need to attend next week’s ceremony to start their terms, Hintz said.