The Iowa caucuses (Februaury 3) are coming faster than a speeding bullet! Early voting in the nonpartisan primary in Wisconsin is also coming faster than a speeding bullet (in most communities, weekdays from Feb 3 - Feb 14). Election Day is coming pretty swiftly too — mark your calendars for February 18! And do you have a plan to vote? If not, make one. Also make sure you check your registration, polling place, and sample ballot! We've already heard of people who think they are registered to vote but find that their information is NOT IN THE VOTER FILE!

We'll be watching the results of the Iowa caucuses, of course. And the Democratic Presidential Candidates Debate (on Friday, February 7, at 7pm on ABC and Apple News). Candidates have until 11:59pm EST on February 6 to qualify. So far, seven have: Biden, Buttigieg, Klobuchar, Sanders, Steyer, Warren, and Yang. These candidates have all qualified through the criteria for polling (5% support in four national or state polls out of New Hampshire, South Carolina or Nevada, or 7% polling in two state polls from the list of qualified polls) and numbers of donors (225,000 unique donors, including 1,000 unique donors per state in at least 20 states, U.S. territories, or the District of Columbia). But there is one more way to qualify: any candidate allocated at least one pledged delegate to the Democratic National Convention based on the results of the Iowa caucuses. This last criterion can only be satisfied once the caucuses in Iowa are complete and all the counting is done.

We're also working hard to increase the turnout in our elections. We only need to produce an extra two or three votes per ward to have success! So participate in amping up the vote. GRNS is holding postcard parties in our office on Wednesday, January 29 at 1pm; Tuesday, February 4 at 11am; Thursday, February 6 at 10am; Monday, February 10 at 10am; and Wednesday, February 12 at 12:30pm. Sign up for one and bring a friend. Postcard parties are a low-stress way to contact voters.

We are also participating in a Day of Action on February 8. Blue Wave Shorewood is holding phone banks at 3900 N. Estabrook Parkway, Apt 449, Shorewood with shifts starting at 10am and 12pm. At the Grassroots North Shore office, we are doing phone banks, canvassing (weather permitting), and texting (we hope) in two shifts: 11am and 1pm. Sign up for phone banking shift with Blue Wave Shorewood or for a specific activity and shift with Grassroots North Shore.

As for impeachment news, the John Bolton thunderbolt has hit. And now, the national press opines, the pressure is on the GOP senators to hear sworn testimony from him. And boy do they seem to be mad because the White House has had a copy of the manuscript with Bolton's story of the quid pro quo coming directly from the horse's ass for nearly a month and simply forgot (?) to tell the GOP senators. Break out the popcorn! We will probably know the outcome of this little drama by the weekend.

But let me end the newsy part of the newsletter with some great progress on the gerrymandering front. First, 19 jurisdictions around the state — municipalities or counties — will have a referendum on their April 7 ballot asking whether voters want the legislature to establish a nonpartisan process for drawing the next election maps in 2021. So far, 50 counties (most of them having voted for Trump in 2016) have already passed such a resolution at the county board level — these counties account for 78% of the population of Wisconsin. And last week, in his state-of-the-state address, Governor Evers announced that he will create a “People’s Maps Commission” to transparently and openly draw fair maps in 2021. The nonpartisan People's Maps Commission will be charged with holding public hearings around the state and with producing election maps in a fair and transparent way. The outcome will be presented to the legislature so that the public will be able to compare it to the rigged maps the GOP will again draw in secret, and at great expense.

EVENTS

Tue Jan 28, 2020

Tosa for Warren Meeting, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
McGinn's, 5901 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee
Monthly organizing meeting for Wauwatosa for Elizabeth Warren. If you are interested in helping to plan events to get Warren elected president, please join in. All are welcome. RSVP.

Wed Jan 29, 2020

Postcard Party, 1pm - 3pm
GRNS office, 5600 W. Brown Deer Rd., Suite 116, Brown Deer
Grassroots North Shore will have a postcard-writing party to remind people to vote in the February 18 spring primary. They'll have the cards, stamps, names and addresses, and some sample scripts. It's a fun activity to help increase votes for the lowest turnout election of this cycle. RSVP.

Theo Lipscomb Fundraiser, 5pm - 7pm
Ambassador Hotel, 2308 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee
Join friends, family, and supporters for an event at Caffè Deco in The Ambassador Hotel to support Theo Lipscomb for Milwaukee County Executive. All donation levels are appreciated. The event is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. Hosted by Theo Lipscomb and Nikiya Dodd. RSVP.

Rebecca Kiefer Campaign Fundraiser, 5:30pm - 7pm
Hawks Quindel, 222 E. Erie St., #210 Milwaukee
Join Rebecca Kiefer, candidate for Milwaukee Circuit Judge in Branch 29, for a reception at Hawks Quindel. Campaign fundraiser levels: Host $500, Sponsor $250, Friend $100. Suggested contribution $50. All contributions gratefully accepted. RSVP.

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 30, 2020

Supreme Court Candidate Forum, 12pm - 1pm
Milwaukee Bar Association, 747 N. Broadway, Milwaukee
The Milwaukee Bar Association is hosting a moderated judicial forum to help the Milwaukee community learn more about the candidates for Wisconsin Supreme Court. Candidates are Daniel Kelly, Wisconsin Supreme Court; Ed Fallone, Marquette University Law School; and Jill Karofsky, Dane County Circuit Court. Attendees will have a chance to ask questions. This event is open to the general public. More information: Contact Katy Borowski, 414-276-5933 or [email protected].

Wisconsin Conservation Voters* Clean Water Lobby Day*, 12:30pm - 5pm
Madison
More info. A link for group carpool can be found here.

MICAH Issues Night, 5:30pm - 8pm
Central United Methodist Church, 639 N. 25th St., Milwaukee
Come and learn about the issues MICAH is working on to create permanent beloved community: Education, Criminal Justice, Coalition on Lead Emergency, and Jobs and Economics/Transportation. Food and fellowship at 5.30, Presentation and meeting breakouts 6- 8pm. More info.

Palzewicz Meet & Greet, 5:30pm - 7pm Tom
The Brass Tap, 7808 W. Layton Ave., Greenfield
Join Tom Palzewicz, Democratic candidate for Congress in the 5th District, for "Brass Tacks at the Brass Tap," a meet & greet event. RSVP.

Brett Blomme Meet & Greet, 6pm - 8pm
This Is It (use east door), 418 E. Wells St., Milwaukee
The campaign of Brett Blomme, candidate for judge in Milwaukee County Circuit Court Branch 5, will host an LGBTQ+ Meet & Greet. RSVP: Call 414-301-2362 or email [email protected].

Fri Jan 31, 2020

Stand for Livable Climate, 12pm - 1pm
Wisconsin Avenue & Water Street, Milwaukee
Stand for a livable climate near the Chase and Wells Fargo Banks, the world's largest funders of fossil fuel industries. More information.

Sat Feb 1, 2020

Voces de la Frontera Annual Meeting, 9am - 3pm
South Division Highschool,1515 W. Lapham Blvd., Milwaukee
Voces de la Frontera & Voces de la Frontera Action Statewide Annual Assembly. All are welcome! Transportation to the event, childcare, and lunch provided! Share ideas and discuss plans for 2020: -The census, Elections, DACA, and Driver licenses -Meet and greet with local officials -Vote for Voces elections. More info.

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

Mon Feb 3, 2020

Circuit Court Branch 5 Candidate Forum, 12pm - 1pm
Milwaukee Bar Association, 747 N. Broadway, Milwaukee
The Milwaukee Bar Association is hosting a moderated judicial forum to help the Milwaukee community learn more about the candidates for Branch 5 of Milwaukee County Circuit Court. Candidates are Paul Dedinski, Milwaukee County Circuit Court; Brett Blomme, Cream City Foundation; and Zack Whitney, Kohner, Mann & Kailas, S.C.. Attendees will have a chance to ask questions. This event is open to the general public. More information: Contact Katy Borowski, 414-276-5933 or .

Rebecca Kiefer Campaign Fundraiser, 5pm - 7pm
Amilinda, 315 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee
Enjoy delicious appetizers at an award-winning restaurant! Join Rebecca Kiefer, candidate for Milwaukee Circuit Judge in Branch 29, for this special event. Space is limited, so RSVP today! Campaign fundraiser levels: Host $500, Sponsor $250, Friend $100. Suggested contribution $50. All contributions gratefully accepted. RSVP.

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.

Tue Feb 4, 2020

Postcard Party, 11am - 1pm
GRNS office, 5600 W. Brown Deer Rd., Suite 116, Brown Deer
Grassroots North Shore will have a postcard-writing party to remind people to vote in the February 18 spring primary. They'll have the cards, stamps, names and addresses, and some sample scripts. It's a fun activity to help increase votes for the lowest turnout election of this cycle. RSVP.

Wed Feb 5, 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.

Corporate Accountability, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
North Shore Presbyterian Church, 4048 N Bartlett Ave, Milwaukee
Corrine Jager with the Boston-based organization Corporate Accountability will talk about their fights to move major corporations to change their policies on the environment, food, health, and democracy and how you can be a part of this effort.

Thu Feb 6, 2020

Postcard Party, 10am - 12pm
GRNS office, 5600 W. Brown Deer Rd., Suite 116, Brown Deer
Grassroots North Shore will have a postcard-writing party to remind people to vote in the February 18 spring primary. They'll have the cards, stamps, names and addresses, and some sample scripts. It's a fun activity to help increase votes for the lowest turnout election of this cycle. RSVP.

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.

Fri Feb 7, 2020

Stand for Livable Climate, 12pm - 1pm
Wisconsin Avenue & Water Street, Milwaukee
Stand for a livable climate near the Chase and Wells Fargo Banks, the world's largest funders of fossil fuel industries. More information.

Sat Feb 8, 2020

Grassroots North Shore Voter Engagement, 11am - 3pm
Grassroots North Shore, 5600 W Brown Deer Rd, Brown Deer
We will be doing it all day: Phoning, texting, writing postcards and canvassing. RSVP for a shift.

Criminal Justice Reform, 9am - 9am
Summit Place, 1st Fl. Conference Center, 6737 W. Washington St., West Allis
The League of Women Voter of Milwaukee County will offer a free public issues forum, Pathways to Criminal Justice Reform. Topics include youth justice, racial inequities, overview of current Wisconsin sentencing law and national trends, proposed criminal justice reforms and proposed legislation. Learn more about the issues and actions and advocacy underway. Panelists include Evan Goyke, State Representative; Sharlen Moore, Founder, Youth Justice Milwaukee; Michael O'Hear, Law Professor, Marquette University; Gretchen Schuldt, Executive Director, Wisconsin Justice Initiative; and Sean Wilson, Smart Justice Statewide Organizer, ACLU of Wisconsin. Moderated by Janine Geske, retired Wisconsin Supreme Court justice and Marquette law professor. Coffee/Social 9:00 a.m. - Program 9:45 a.m. - Breakout Sessions 11:45 a.m.

Blue Wave Shorewood, 10am - 12pm
The Oaks of Shorewood, 3900 N. Estabrook Parkway, Apt 449
We will be encouraging people to vote for the upcoming State Supreme Court Primary, pointing out how important it is to have a fair and transparent process when we draw our new maps. You will be using your smartphone to talk to voters near your home. For more information, contact Paul Geenen or 414-510-1436. Or RSVP at the Grassroots North Shore site.

The United Nations Association of Greater Milwaukee, 10am - 12pm
Redeemer Lutheran Church – 631 N. 19th St. (rear entrance), Milwaukee
The United Nations came into being in 1945, following the devastation of World War II, with one central mission: the maintenance of international peace and security. The UN does this by working to prevent conflict; helping parties in conflict make peace; peacekeeping; and creating the conditions to allow peace to hold and flourish. You are invited to hear an informative review of the policies, actions, and positions of the leading democratic presidential candidates and president trump on ending war and maintaining peace. The information to be presented is taken from Peace Action, a national peace group, and their website. Following the presentation, audience members will be invited to share their ideas on the policies they believe will end the scourge of war and maintain peace. The agenda for the annual business meeting of the UNA-GM includes: Re-election of current UNA-GM board members; consideration of three new nominees to the UNA-GM board; floor nominations for UNA-GM board membership from UNA-GM members; presentation of the UNA-GM financial report; review of the 2019 UNA-GM activities. For more information contact Debbie Metke, 414.881.0904. the UNA-GM is a group of men and women who stand for peace and justice in the world and believe that the United Nations is an instrumental force in creating a peaceful world and supporting the work and efforts of the UN by educating, inspiring, and mobilizing our Milwaukee community.

Wauwatosa Shared Values Gathering, 10am - 12pm
Wauwatosa Library, Firefly Room, 7635 North Ave., Wauwatosa
Speakers at the 2020 Wauwatosa Shared Values Unity Gathering: Sandy Zellmer, organizer; Martha Love, Wisconsin DNC member; Professor Ed Fallone, Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate; Milwaukee County Board Chair Theo Lipscomb and Wisconsin State Senator Chris Larson, both Milwaukee County Executive candidates; Brett Blomme and Zach Witney, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Branch 5 candidates; Shawn Rolland and Barb Schoenherr, Milwaukee County Supervisor District 6 candidates; Dennis McBride and Nancy Welch, Wauwatosa Mayor candidates. Open to all Milwaukee County residents. RSVP /pre-register: Sandy Zellmer, 414-315- 0291 or [email protected].

Blue Wave Shorewood, 12pm - 2pm
The Oaks of Shorewood, 3900 N. Estabrook Parkway
We will be encouraging people to vote for the upcoming State Supreme Court Primary, pointing out how important it is to have a fair and transparent process when we draw our new maps. You will be using your smartphone to talk to voters near your home. For more information, contact Paul Geenen or 414-510-1436.

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
16th Street & Wisconsin Avenue
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

Laughing Liberally Milwaukee, 8pm - 10pm
Comedy Sportz Theater, 420 S. 1st St., Milwaukee
Laughing Liberally Milwaukee presents a night of progressive politicalcomedy. In addition to some of the finest progressive comedians Milwaukee has to offer, each Laughing Liberally Milwaukee will feature a special interview with a local political figure, journalist or activist. This month’s guest is Jasmine Gonzalezfrom the CLOSEmsdf Campaign. Advance tickets ($8).

Sun Feb 9, 2020

Deb Andraca Campaign Kick-off, 4:30pm - 6pm
Gallery 505, 517 E Silver Spring Dr, Milwaukee
Deb Andraca is challenging Jim Ott in the 23rd Assembly District. Learn more about Deb.

Mon Feb 10, 2020

Postcard Party, 10am - 12pm
GRNS office, 5600 W. Brown Deer Rd., Suite 116, Brown Deer
Grassroots North Shore will have a postcard-writing party to remind people to vote in the February 18 spring primary. They'll have the cards, stamps, names and addresses, and some sample scripts. It's a fun activity to help increase votes for the lowest turnout election of this cycle. RSVP.

Grass Roots South Shore Meeting, 6pm - 8pm
Cudahy Library, 3500 Library Dr. , Cudahy Calendar: Social
Grass Roots South Shore holds its monthly meeting on the second Monday of each month. For more information call Jim Balk, 414-218-5944.