As you might expect, the number of events in the coming two weeks is smaller than normal. But things begin to heat up again by the second week of January and will continue to grow as we get closer and closer to the elections scheduled in 2018. Just to remind you:

1. January 16: special elections in SD 10 and AD 58;
2. February 20: primary for non-partisan offices including State Supreme Court Justice;
3. April 3: election for non-partisan offices including State Supreme Court Justice
4. August 14: primary for all partisan offices including governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, assembly representatives, state senators, US congress representatives, and US senate;
5. November 6: election for all partisan offices.

Mark your calendars now and plan ahead. If you won't be at home for any of those dates, make sure you vote by absentee ballot. Grassroots North Shore will be compiling information for offices at the county and state levels. Watch for an announcement about our election guide.

Another important date for your calendar is Sunday, January 28. We will be holding our annual meeting and dinner at 5pm at North Shore Presbyterian Church (4048 N. Bartlett Ave, Shorewood). After a short business meeting to elect members of our steering committee, we will hear from Robert Kraig and a number of congressional candidates from our area. Dan Kohl is running against Glenn Grothman in the 6th CD; Tom Palzewicz is running against Jim Sensenbrenner in the 5th CD; Randy Bryce and Cathy Myers are vying to unseat Paul Ryan in the 1st CD. Several of these challengers will be attending. You won't want to miss a chance to meet them. You can RSVP on our website or on our Facebook page.

Because of my travel schedule, next week's newsletter will be later than usual. I'll try to get it out on 1/3 but I can't promise. If you are looking for events in our area, you can find them on the two calendars on our website. One lists the events that are recorded on the Milwaukee County Democratic Party calendar and the other events shared by grassroots groups in the MKE area.

And on a final note for this week's newsletter, and for 2017 as a whole, let me recommend an article in today's Washington Post describing the history of our inability to diffuse cyber attacks and disinformation campaigns from Russia. The well-sourced piece shows just how difficult it is for a society committed to democratic ideals, including the right to privacy and freedom of expression, to counter the moves of an autocratic state actor. The obstacles to a robust defense began decades ago, according to the article. Even though many high level officials in the current administration seem to want to pursue more effective policies, the nature of the bureaucracy and the resistance of our commander in chief hobble our efforts. It's a fairly long piece but worth the time.

Wed Dec 27, 2017

Healthcare Jeopardy: Governor Candidates Forum, 9:30am - 11:30am
Milwaukee Area Technical College, 700 W State St, Milwaukee
Come watch the candidates in the Democratic Primary for Governor compete over their healthcare knowledge and political stances! Everyone is welcome, particularly healthcare professionals. There will be time to chat with the candidates afterward. RSVP on Facebook.

Refuel the Resistance, 5pm - 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, 7pm - 7pm
Bar Louie, 5750 N. Bayshore Dr., Glendale
Drinking Liberally Glendale meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Come drink a beverage or two of your choice and talk about Liberal stuff. More information.

Fri Dec 29, 2017

Kelda Roys House Party, 5pm - 7pm
3229 W. Drury Lane, Milwaukee
South side house party for Kelda Roys, Democratic candidate for governor of Wisconsin. Hosted by Greg Kowalski and Andrew Martin.

Sat Dec 30, 2017

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
Oakland Avenue & Capitol Drive, Shorewood
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by the United Nations Association of Milwaukee, Peace/Conflict Committee.

Wed Jan 3, 2018

Refuel the Resistance, 5pm - 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.

Grass Roots South Shore Meeting, 6pm - 6pm
Cudahy Library, 3500 Library Dr., Cudahy
Grass Roots South Shore will hold its monthly meeting. Grass Roots South Shore meets on the first Wednesday of each month. For more information call Jim Balk, 414-218-5944.

Thu Jan 4, 2018

DPMC Issues Committee Meeting, 6:30pm - 8pm
Amalgamated Transit Union, 734 N. 26th St., Milwaukee
The Democratic Party's Issues Committee will hold its monthly meeting. All Democrats are welcome to participate. Enter from the parking lot.

Sat Jan 6, 2018

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by the United Nations Association of Milwaukee, Peace/Conflict Committee.

Mon Jan 8, 2018

Burns Fundraiser, 5:30pm - 7pm Tim
Iron Horse Hotel, 500 W. Florida St., Milwaukee
Fundraiser to support the campaign of Tim Burns for Wisconsin Supreme Court.Tim will answer your questions about the law, about who he is and about what he stands for. Contribution levels: Host $1,000 Co-host $500 Sponsor $250 Friend $100 Suggested: $50 Online contribution. RSVP.

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

Drinking Liberally Waukesha, 6:30pm - 9pm
Clarke Irish Pub, 314 W. Main St., Waukesha
More information.