Much in the same way Donald Trump has recently commented about a “rigged election,” and hinted at the final general election result not quite matching up to the actual vote, Wisconsin GOP-ers were caught this week secretly scheming to spread “rigged election” rumors in order to cover for the massive losses they are expecting.

In a set of leaked emails associated with Republican Governor Scott Walker published this week in The Guardian, it was revealed that political insiders in Wisconsin planned to spread an agenda which would benefit them even as their candidates lost.

Emails revealed that staffers agreed to push election fraud rumors on radio and in email reachout to voters in order to guarantee a recount, regardless of actual election results. Insiders debated about which way of spreading the rumor was most effective, with some urging the use of conservative radio hosts as the conduit for the election fraud message.

For a party who so often likes to cry “election fraud” when they pass bills limiting low-income and minority Americans from voting, it’s a bit fishy that they would again use that same coded language to try to win an advantage on election night.

By pushing this narrative consciously, and without evidence, Republicans are purposefully creating a hostile environment which, if things are actually close on election night, could threaten to spin out of control.

It’s a dangerous and deceptive game the GOP is playing and the American people have had enough of games.

Sydney Robinson is a political writer for the Ring of Fire Network. She has also appeared in political news videos for Ring of Fire. Sydney has a degree in English Literature from the University of West Florida, and has an active interest in politics, social justice, and environmental issues. She would love to hear from you on Twitter @SydneyMkay or via email at srobinson@ringoffireradio.com