As you probably know, Ozaukee County Judge Paul Malloy ruled that the Wisconsin Election Commission must purge about 234,000 registered voters from the rolls before the 2020 presidential election and he refused the Commission's request that he issue a temporary injunction to stay the ruling while the case is being appealed. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel had the story on Friday. The item was then picked up nationally by the New York Times and the Washington Post on Saturday. In a follow up story on Dec. 16, the Post quotes Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler: "This is an organizing challenge, not a crisis" and it "just adds to our to-do list. It’s a reason to work, not to freak out." The story notes that "the party plans to use the state’s open records law to obtain the names of everyone who would be purged" and "contact those most likely to be Democrats so they can re-register" (Wisconsin Democrats vow to register voters who may be purged).

The December 14 story in the Washington Post noted that "Some of the highest percentages of voters whose registrations were on the line were in Milwaukee, Madison and areas with college campuses, where residents tend to vote Democratic, an analysis by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel found. More than half of the Elections Commission’s letters went to municipalities where Democrat Hillary Clinton won more votes than Trump in 2016, the newspaper reported" (A judge ordered up to 234,000 people to be tossed from the registered voter list in a swing state).

The challenge Wikler identifies will be part of Grassroots North Shore's efforts to reach voters ahead of all four elections in 2020: February 18, April 7, August 11, and November 3. We're starting with Postcard Parties at our office on Monday January 13 from 1-3pm; Wednesday January 15 from 1-3pm; Tuesday January 21 from 9:30-11:30am; Thursday January 23 from 5-7pm; Monday January 27 from 5-7pm; and Wednesday January 29 from 5-7pm. Considering how important the upcoming elections are, GRNS leadership certainly hopes to see a robust response to these first opportunities to engage in vital election work! So please sign up for one or more of these efforts to reach out to potential voters.

And as if there weren't already enough news to cause everyone agita, there's also the impending House vote on impeachment. Across the country there will be Tuesday evening rallies in support of the effort to remove our current resident at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave in D.C. The rally in Milwaukee will be at the Federal Courthouse, 517 E. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee — where Senator Ron Johnson has his office. The organizers are looking for a few volunteers: 1) to act as marshals and keep the peace in the event MAGAs come to start trouble, and 2) some people who might like to lead chants. To volunteer, email Joseph K.You can RSVP and find more information about the event. Grassroots North Shore encourages your participation.

Two upcoming events you should know about: In January, Grassroots North Shore is planning a candidate forum with those who have declared for the office of MKE County Executive. The forum will take place at North Shore Presbyterian Church (4048 N Bartlett Ave, Shorewood) either on Wednesday, January 22, or Wednesday, January 29 with the time TBA. Future newsletters will have complete information. And on Sunday, Jan 26, we're holding our Annual Meeting and Potluck Dinner. This year, we will feature presentations by Attorney Ed Fallone and Judge Jill Karofsky, two of the candidates running for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. This event will also be held at North Shore Presbyterian Church (4048 N Bartlett Ave, Shorewood) from 5-7pm (doors open at 4:30, free food starting at 5:15).

A note of caution about the events list. There are events listed for Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Please check with the event and/or the venue to make sure they're really happening!

And I hope everyone has a Happy or Merry Holiday season, whatever occasions you observe. I'm taking the next two weeks for a trip to see family. So no GRNS newsletter on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve. The regular schedule will resume in 2020.

EVENTS

Tue Dec 17, 2019

Jill Karofsky Campaign Fundraiser, 5pm - 7pm
Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N. Water St., Milwaukee
Reception for Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Jill Karofsky. Sponsorship levels: $1,000, $500, $250. Suggested contribution $100. All contributions gratefully accepted. RSVP.

Rally for Impeachment, 5pm - 6:15pm
Federal Courthouse, 517 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee
[NOTE changes in time and added information] Join a historic national event, a rally on the eve of the vote in the House of Representatives on impeachment of President Donald J. Trump. This visible, family-friendly, public gathering will demonstrate to our lawmakers that their constituents are behind them to defend the Constitution — and that Trump has left them no alternative to upholding their oath of office and supporting impeachment and removal. Participants should start gathering outside the Federal Courthouse (where Sen. Ron Johnson has an office) at 4:45pm. Dress warmly and bring flashlights. Some of those present will march out and back from the rally. RSVP and more information.

Nikiya Dodd Fundraiser, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Thistle & Shamrock, 3430 N. 84th St., Milwaukee
Reception to kick off Nikiya Dodd's campaign for re-election in the 5th Aldermanic District. Contribution levels: Host $500, Sponsor $250, Friend $100. Suggested contribution $50. All contributions gratefully accepted. RSVP or email questions.

Wed Dec 18, 2019

Refuel the Resistance, 6pm - 8pm
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee
Weekly gathering at Bounce Milwaukee's mezzanine bar for networking, inspiration or just to vent. Bring along any evidence of your civic resistance from the last week to get a beverage (up to $7) on the house, and compare notes with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.

Drinking Liberally Wauwatosa, 6:30pm - 9pm
Camp Bar, 6600 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa
NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION. Come join fellow Wauwatosa progressives for good conversation. More info.

Southwest Region Dems Meeting, 7pm - 7pm
Studz Pub Sports Bar & Grill, 6833 W. National Ave., West Allis
Southwest Dems will hold their monthly meeting. Region 5 covers Franklin, Greendale, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Milwaukee (Southwest), West Allis, West Milwaukee. For more information email.

Thu Dec 19, 2019

GRNS Debate Watch Party, 7pm - 10pm
Eric Taylor's House, 6330 N Lake Dr, Whitefish Bay
We're gathering together to watch the 6th Democratic Presidential Debate at the home of Eric Taylor in Whitefish Bay. Join with others to watch and have a good progressive time! RSVP.

DPMC Debate Watch Party, 7pm - 10pm
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee
Join other MKE Dems to watch the debate and cheer for your favored candidate.

Dem Primary Debate, 7pm - 10pm
Online and on PBS TV
The sixth debate will be hosted by PBS Newshour and Politico. The debate will air live on PBS and will also be live streamed across PBS News Hour digital platforms on the web, mobile and connected TVs and on POLITICO’s digital and social platforms. Debate begins at 7:15. NOTE: Arrangements for this debate may be changed because our candidates will refuse to cross a picket line at the venue.

Sat Dec 21, 2019

Community Brainstorming, 8am - 11am
St. Matthew CME Church, 2944 N. 9th St., Milwaukee
Community Brainstorming Conference Breakfast Forum — Breakfast: 8 am, Program: 9 am. NOTE CHANGE IN DATE MILWAUKEE COUNTY EXECUTIVE CANDIDATES FORUM (Registration Statements Filed) David Crowley: State Representative, 17th Assembly District | Bryan Kennedy: Mayor, Glendale | Chris Larson: State Senator, 7th District | Theodore Lipscomb Sr.: Chair, Milw Cnty Bd of Supervisors | Purniama Nath | Doug Schmidt | Tim Sullivan | Peggy Wittman | Yaghnam Yaghnam. Moderator: Dr. Pamela Malone. Chair: Honorable Russell Stamper Sr. All Are Invited, Come and Participate.

NAACP Monthly Meeting, 11:30am - 1pm
2745 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., Milwaukee
Monthly membership meeting of NAACP Milwaukee Branch. The meeting is held in the basement conference room.

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
Port Washington Road & Silver Spring Drive, Milwaukee
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

,Nomination Papers Circulation Event for Jim Sullivan9am - 11am
2650 N. 72nd Street Wauwatosa
Please join us to help circulate nomination papers for Jim Sullivan’s campaign for Milwaukee County Executive. Circulators will be rewarded with Cranky Al’s donuts. RSVP. For questions, email Jenny Fisher

Wed Dec 25, 2019

Refuel the Resistance, 6pm - 8pm
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee
Weekly gathering at Bounce Milwaukee's mezzanine bar for networking, inspiration or just to vent. Bring along any evidence of your civic resistance from the last week to get a beverage (up to $7) on the house, and compare notes with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.

Drinking Liberally Glendale, 6:30pm - 9pm
Bavarian Bierhaus, 700 W. Lexington Blvd., Glendale
Note ANOTHER new location: Drinking Liberally Glendale meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month. A monthly meetup to eat, drink, and talk politics with like-minded people. More information.

Drinking Liberally Port Washington, 6:30pm - 8pm
Schooner Pub, 114 N Franklin St, Port Washington
TBA.

Sat Dec 28, 2019

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
St. Paul Avenue & Water Street, Milwaukee
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

Wed Jan 1, 2020

Refuel the Resistance, 6pm - 8pm
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee
Weekly gathering at Bounce Milwaukee's mezzanine bar for networking, inspiration or just to vent. Bring along any evidence of your civic resistance from the last week to get a beverage (up to $7) on the house, and compare notes with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.

Thu Jan 2, 2020

DPMC Issues Committee Meeting, 4:30pm - 4:30pm
Amalgamated Transit Union, 734 N. 26th St., Milwaukee
NOTE: NEW DAY. The Democratic Party's Issues Committee holds its meeting on the first Thursday of each month. All Democrats are welcome to participate.

Sat Jan 4, 2020

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
27th Street and Oklahoma Avenue, Milwaukee
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

Mon Jan 6, 2020

Drinking Liberally Waukesha, 6:30pm - 9pm
Clarke Irish Pub, 314 W. Main St., Waukesha
Drinking Liberally Waukesha meets the first Monday of each month. More information.