Monday was a historic day: your federal income taxes were due, Orange Julius's NY election interference trial began, AND candidates for partisan offices in Wisconsin began circulating their nomination papers — in many cases in newly drawn districts! I have collected a number of them so that you can download them to sign as a nominator and to circulate as a circulator. To sign a candidate's nomination papers, you must reside in the candidate's district. Because of the new legislative district maps, you may not be sure which district includes your residence for the Assembly — all Assembly districts are up for election in the fall — or the state Senate — all even-numbered state Senate districts are up for election this year. To find out whether you have been moved to a new district, use the legislature's tool. When you type your address into the search box, the result will show you who represented you under the old (2022) maps and under the new (2024) maps.
Once you have downloaded a form, be sure to follow the instructions on our website or that accompany the nomination form. You can be a nominator on the form and also its circulator. When you have collected all the signatures you can, even if it's only ONE (yours), sign the Certification of Circulator at the bottom of the form. Then mail the nomination papers to the candidate no later than May 13. The physical papers must be delivered to the Wisconsin Elections Committee by 5pm on June 3. So we want to make sure candidates receive signed forms in good time.
Alternatively, you can attend a signature gathering event, like the one for Jodi Habush Sinykin and Tammy Baldwin being held at Three Lions Pub (4515 N Oakland Ave, Shorewood) on Friday, April 19, at 7:00pm. As Andy Berger, the host of the occasion, says, "It’s about more than just putting names on a petition; it’s about coming together as a community to support progress. Special Feature: We're thrilled to announce that Jodi Habush Sinykin herself will be joining us! Don’t miss this chance to meet one of the candidates in person. Kindly let us know if you can make it by clicking on this link."
And while we're on the subject of the new state legislative maps, Grassroots North Shore will feature a discussion of their impact at an event on Sunday, May 19th, at Plymouth Church (2017 E Hampshire St, Milwaukee) from 4:30 - 6:00pm. Featured speakers will be Representative Deb Andraca and our own Debbie Patel, who, in addition to co-chairing Grassroots North Shore, leads the North Shore for Fair Maps organization. It's a month away, but you can RSVP now.
We're still in need of a Treasurer. And frankly we cannot sustain the organization without one. So if you or someone you know enjoys bookkeeping, is comfortable with Excel, and is willing to learn how to navigate various software platforms and ecommerce sites (ActBlue, NationBuilder, PayPal), please contact Cheryl Maranto via email or by calling (414) 429-1583.
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin is still in need of people to become delegates to the 2024 Democratic Convention in Chicago. Here's the ask: DEADLINE APPROACHING: we need more Wisconsin Democrats to apply for a delegate position at the Democratic National Convention this August. This is your opportunity to join fellow Democrats and make history in the 2024 election! Apply by this Friday at 5 PM to be a delegate for Wisconsin at the Democratic National Convention?" If you live in Milwaukee County, you could probably team up with Linda Frank, a long-time supporter of Grassroots North Shore. She needs us to be present at BOTH caucuses to be elected. I have committed to supporting her and hope to see some of you there too.
To be elected as a delegate, you need to attend two caucuses.The first one is the Milwaukee County Caucus on April 28 at South Division High School, 1515 W Lapham Blvd in Milwaukee. Registration begins at 1:00 and the meeting begins at 2:00. The second one is the 4th Congressional District Caucus on May 19 at McGovern Senior Center, 4500 W Custer Ave, Milwaukee. Registration begins at 1:00 and the caucus begins at 2:00 pm. Your presence, even if you don't apply to be a delegate, and your vote for Linda will be appreciated!
By the way, I was a delegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention. It's a wonderful experience. You get to meet with other delegations and hear from outstanding speakers like Senator Cory Booker (one of the most memorable speakers who met with the Wisconsin caucus for breakfast one morning). Senator Tammy Baldwin will be there too. And you'll never be in another arena with so many Democrats. It's a great way to gear up for the November 5 elections. End of my soapbox speech!
Moving on to news in the broader world, one of my favorite New York Times writers, Jamelle Bouie, lays bare the "leave it to the states" scam the Dobbs decision brought us two years ago. The op-ed "The Smothering of Abortion Rights Reveals Something Else About Republicans" comes down to this:
When the demands of the living do begin to press against the will of Republican lawmakers or Republican jurists, they can respond, with the dead hand of the past. Not the past broadly constructed — one attentive to the silences of those who were missing, excluded or never recorded in the first place — but a narrow past, the main purpose of which is to extinguish new freedoms and forms of living.
Fortunately, in Wisconsin we have finally succeeded in breaking out of the gerrymandering straightjacket. To keep it that way, though, we're going to have another fraught election year in 2025 now that Justice Ann Walsh Bradley has announced her retirement from the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The election next April will determine whether the court remains dominated by center-left jurists or reverts to control by conservatives who would no doubt look favorably on strict abortion bans and even a new attempt at gerrymandering our state maps. According to a piece in Daily Kos from April 12, four or five liberal judges may be vying for a place on the April 1, 2025, ballot. Meanwhile former Attorney General Brad Schimel is already running. He might be joined by one or more conservatives, but right now he has the field to himself. "Both sides, however, will need to be on guard against getting locked out of the general election. That's because Wisconsin will hold an officially nonpartisan primary on Feb. 18, when all candidates will run together on a single ballot. The top two vote-getters will then advance to an April 1 general election, which means it's possible that two liberals or two conservatives could face off in the second round of voting."
Yeah, I know. Not exactly the news we need right now as we head into what has to be the scariest election of our lifetimes. So here's a little Hopium to buoy us up: Simon Rosenberg — whose motto is "Let’s Do More, Worry Less" — writes, "The NYT poll which came out Sunday showed the race changing from Trump +5 to Trump +1 (great news). The Morning Consult/Politico poll released Monday had Biden up 45-43. Biden was down 4 in Morning Consult’s polling a few weeks ago. Yesterday, Echelon, a respected Republican pollster, released a poll showing Biden up 3, 49-46, and the Congressional Generic was also +3 Dem. Trump led in this poll by 4 points in February. This poll is a “big yikes” for Rs, and is going to create a bit of a panic in DC Republican circles" And it's not just national polls. In fundraising, Democrats are out stripping Republicans nationally and in key Senate races. In Tammy Baldwin's case, her first quarter haul was $5.4 million. Her opponent, Eric Hovde, raised only $1.1 million.
I'm not a big fan of kicking anyone when they're down, BUT... Speaker Mike Johnson started the week with a proposal to try to pass four bills — one to fund aid for Ukraine, one for Israel, one for Taiwan and other Indo-Pacific allies, plus a fourth bill full of MAGA foreign policy desires. Now apparently he's added a fifth: to address MAGA demands to strengthen the southern border. The whole thing might come a-cropper, though, and apparently cannot work without shifting coalitions of Democrats and Republicans supporting each of the bills. Meanwhile in the mean kids' playpen, a motion to vacate the speaker's chair is dangling over Speaker Mike's head. Right now, there's a two vote margin in the House. After Friday, when our own Mike Gallagher resigns, the margin drops to one. (Apparently, according to the Washington Post, though, Gallagher has agreed to stick around long enough to pass the foreign aid pieces. So Saturday?)
Also I've just learned that the MAGAites in the Arizona legislature have provided excellent supporting evidence for Jamelle Bouie's piece. To wit, "House Republicans in Arizona on Wednesday scuttled another effort to repeal the state’s 1864 law banning abortion, defying pressure from prominent Republicans, including former President Donald J. Trump, who had urged them to toss the ban that many voters viewed as extreme and archaic." There will no doubt be more in-depth reporting on the Arizona mess, but for a reasonable explanation of the current state of affairs, you can read this (free) New York Times article.
The "Worry Less" part is up to you, but here's your "Let’s Do More" list for the week.
EVENTS
Wednesday, April 17
Oz Dems General Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00pm
1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton
Dr. Charles Franklin (Marquette Law Poll) will give us insights from the last election cycle as well as what's at stake during the general election. Join us at our Grafton office every third Wednesday of the month at 7:00. Meet like-minded people who are your neighbors and committed to electing Democrats here in Ozaukee County.
Thursday, April 18
Inflation Reduction Act Workshop, 5:30 - 6:30pm
Zoom
Want to learn more about how you can take advantage of federal clean energy benefits when making home improvements, and help us get the word out? Join Wisconsin Conservation Voters for a workshop with A Better Wisconsin Together (ABWT). We’ll provide information on the federal clean energy savings you can take advantage of, and our partners at ABWT will provide messaging guidance on how to mobilize our fellow Wisconsinites on social media to protect our environment, mitigate the effects of climate change, and save money. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the largest investment in climate action in world history, the Inflation Reduction Act, and to celebrate our favorite holiday – Earth Day! Sign up.
Friday, April 19
New Voting Districts — Now What? 9:30am
Knickerbocker Hotel, Juneau Rm, 1028 E Juneau, Milwaukee
Wisconsin activists have worked for years to reform Wi voting maps which were dramatically gerrymandered under Gov. Scott Walker to favor Republican candidates. How are the new maps different and how will they impact election fairness in 2024? Review and discuss the new district maps with Assembly Democratic Leader Greta Neubauer. Specific candidate information at the following links:
Please RSVP to Tom Callan.
North Shore Nomination Signature Party, 7:00pm
Three Lions Pub, 4515 N Oakland Ave, Shorewood
We’re excited to invite you to a unique event aimed at making a real impact! We're gathering signatures for two amazing candidates - Jodi Habush Sinykin and Tammy Baldwin - and we’d love for you to be part of this initiative. It’s about more than just putting names on a petition; it’s about coming together as a community to support progress. Special Feature: We're thrilled to announce that Jodi Habush Sinykin herself will be joining us! Don’t miss this chance to meet one of the candidates in person. Kindly let us know if you can make it by clicking on this link.
Saturday, April 20
Fair Maps 2024 Activist Strategic Planning Day, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Unitarian Universalist Society, 504 Grant St., Wausau
As members of the Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition, the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin would like to extend an invitation to join us in planning and mobilizing for Fair Maps through 2024 and beyond. This coalition cannot work without your support, and we need your voice to help us plan and execute our goals so that we can finally have a representative government for all in Wisconsin for decades to come. Join activists from all corners of Wisconsin to participate in a strategic planning day for fair maps. (Lunch will be provided.) We need your voice. In-Person Participation Preferred but Virtual Option Available! Register.
League of Women Voters Milwaukee County (LWVMC) Climate Action Group, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Room 2212 Summit Place, 6737 W. Washington St., Milwaukee
Climate change has been identified by the World Health Organization as the single biggest health threat to humanity. Climate change is causing extreme weather including flooding, extreme heat, and drought all of which have serious health effects. The adverse impacts of a warming climate are also not felt equitably. Disadvantaged communities face an even greater burden from the climate crisis. The League’s policies and positions allow us to play a significant role in addressing the climate crisis. In response, the LWVMC is establishing a Climate Action Group. The group's goal is to create a plan of action for our League. Anyone interested in sharing ideas about possible local climate advocacy is invited to attend this meeting or one held on Sunday, April 21. Registration requested.
John Zarbano for the 6th CD, 12:00 - 34:00pm
Becket’s, 2 Jackson Street, Oshkosh
John Zarbano — Democrat for Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District — is having a town hall meeting. Bring your family and friends. John would love to meet you and answer your questions. No RSVP required. For more information, email him at [email protected].
Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Farwell and North Ave, Milwaukee
Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday.
Sunday, April 21
League of Women Voters Milwaukee County (LWVMC) Climate Action Group, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Room 2212 Summit Place, 6737 W. Washington St., Milwaukee
Climate change has been identified by the World Health Organization as the single biggest health threat to humanity. Climate change is causing extreme weather including flooding, extreme heat, and drought all of which have serious health effects. The adverse impacts of a warming climate are also not felt equitably. Disadvantaged communities face an even greater burden from the climate crisis. The League’s policies and positions allow us to play a significant role in addressing the climate crisis. In response, the LWVMC is establishing a Climate Action Group. The group's goal is to create a plan of action for our League. Anyone interested in sharing ideas about possible local climate advocacy is invited to attend this meeting. Registration requested.
Accessible Walks and Paddles in Milwaukee, 1:15 - 3:15pm
Firelfly Meeting Room at the Wauwatosa Public Library
7635 W North Ave, Wauwatosa
Join the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County for an informative and inspirational discussion about accessible walks and paddles in the Milwaukee area. LWVMC members, Karen and Jennifer Lemke, authors of Easy Walks and Paddles in Milwaukee, will share the inside scoop on many accessible trails and waterways in the Milwaukee area, as well as additional information about public restrooms, benches, nearby eateries, environmental issues, fascinating historical tidbits about people who previously inhabited these spaces, and details about Milwaukee’s social and cultural history. The Sisters Lemke will be in conversation with LWVMC member, Dorothy Dean, founder and executive director of Disability Justice. Easy Walks and Paddles in Milwaukee provides important accessibility information for Milwaukee’s beautiful and abundant green spaces so that more people with disabilities, seniors, and families with children can enjoy these easy-access spaces.
Monday, April 22
Milwaukee Dems Meeting, 6:00pm
Harmony Room, Potawatomi Hotel Casino
1721 W Canal St, Milwaukee
Join us for our April Membership Meeting and our Earth Day Celebration!
Friday, April 26
LWVMKE, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Milwaukee Public Library East Branch Community Room, 2030 N Cramer St, Milwaukee
League Cafe meets monthly and welcomes League members old and new, as well as community members. In a small group setting, we get to know each other better, share knowledge and have interesting conversations. In rotating months, we meet as a general discussion group, and in opposite months, convene as a book club to discuss noteworthy books on racial equity, immigration and/or voting.
Saturday, April 27
Milwaukee Veterans For Peace Fundraiser, 7:00 - 9:00pm
Linneman's Riverwest Inn, 1001 E Locust St, Milwaukee
Folk musician Tom Neilson with a night of music, satire and social commentary. Benefit for Milwaukee Veterans For Peace. Suggested donation $20-30.
Wednesday, May 1
Changing Hearts and Minds on Reproductive Health and Rights, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Zoom
Join Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin staff and learn how to change hearts and minds with conversation, instead of debate. Attend our Milwaukee member-only event led by Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. This 2-hour, evidence- based workshop will give you confidence and skills to discuss this topic with relatives, friends and neighbors. Topics Covered: The State of Abortion Access | Fundamentals of How Humans Change | Changing Ourselves | Navigating Conflicted Feelings | Finding Common Ground. Sign up.
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, May 4
Changing Hearts and Minds on Reproductive Health and Rights, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Summit Place, 6737 W Washington St, Milwaukee
Join Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin staff and learn how to change hearts and minds with conversation, instead of debate. Attend our Milwaukee member-only event led by Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. This 2-hour, evidence- based workshop will give you confidence and skills to discuss this topic with relatives, friends and neighbors. Topics Covered: The State of Abortion Access | Fundamentals of How Humans Change | Changing Ourselves | Navigating Conflicted Feelings | Finding Common Ground. Sign up.
Supermarket Legends General Meeting, 1:00 - 3:00pm
Washington Park Library, 2121 N Sherman Park Blvd, Milwaukee
We will strategize for turning out the vote this fall and discuss several opportunities to register voters.
5th CD Convention, 1:00pm
Waukesha Schuetze Rec Center, Riverview Room
1120 Baxter St, Waukesha
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin 5th Congressional District will hold its annual convention on Saturday, May 4th, 2024. Early bird pricing ($20) ends April 14th. After April 14th, registration will be $25. Registration opens at 1pm. The Convention convenes at 1:30pm. Star Wars attire is encouraged. Please RSVP by ordering your tickets. Questions? Please email [email protected] or call 414-491-4544.
Glendale Grassroots Party, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
6563 N Crestwood Dr, Glendale
Come celebrate a great election season, spend time with your community, and meet new people. In addition to food and drink and the wonderful company of your fellow Glendale activists, we will also add our signatures to nominate Tammy for the Senate ballot! Let us know you're coming! Sign up.
Thursday, May 9
Cash for Communities: Leveraging Historic Federal Funds for Racial, Economic, and Climate Justice, 12:00pm CDT
Online
Imagine solar panels on every school, an electrified fleet of city vehicles, EV chargers that actually bring IN revenue, and climate resilience hubs in every neighborhood. Thanks to new Direct Pay tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act, projects like these could be possible at a fraction of the typical cost. And local governments, schools, and other tax-exempt entities who’ve built this type of project in 2023 could be eligible for cash NOW. Join the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center and the Local Progress Impact Lab to learn how local policymakers can lead the way and help communities seize this opportunity. Register.
Saturday & Sunday, June 8-9
Democratic Party State Convention, 8:30am Saturday to 1:00pm Sunday
Potawatomi Hotel Casino
1721 W Canal St, Milwaukee
Links to Convention Information:
other important links
Become a Member of Grassroots North Shore
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