The latest Marquette Law School poll, conducted Nov. 13-17, has some discouraging news for us: "Even as hearings that could lead to President Donald Trump’s impeachment heat up, a new Marquette University Law School poll of Wisconsin registered voters finds consistent, if sometimes modest, shifts in public opinion away from support of impeachment and toward supporting Trump in next year’s presidential election." But it is worth pointing out that the first witnesses to testify in open hearings appeared on Nov. 13 and the last hearing, with Dr. Fiona Hill and David Holmes, occurred on Nov. 21. In other words, the poll was in the field even as the impeachment inquiry got under way: so not a good snapshot of the impact of the inquiry on Wisconsin voters.

But even if the results of the poll are accurate enough, the takeaway should be to work harder to win in Wisconsin next year. Right now there is not that much going on (see the short list of events for the next two weeks below). On Sunday December 8, however, Grassroots North Shore is having a special event that will take a clear-eyed look at our state's electoral prospects. Celinda Lake, founder and CEO of Lake Research, will talk to us about Tipping Point Wisconsin. Our state is likely to provide the Electoral College votes that determine who the president will be in 2021. A nationally renowned strategist and pollster, Ms. Lake brings insights both at the national level and for Wisconsin to bear on how we win this crucial election next year. So you'll not want to miss it. Please RSVP today and make a generous donation if you can.

New this year, we will be featuring a limited silent auction and craft show on the Church lower level. So come early to check it out and be sure to join us for the reception following the program. Cash or check is preferred.

Why does Grassroots North Shore hold a fundraiser each year? As one of the largest all-volunteer political organizations in the state, we need funds not to pay staff but to pay rent, maintain insurance, purchase office supplies, and run our internet operations (like this newsletter). We NEVER give money to candidates (though we do endorse once the general election candidates have been chosen). We work with others to run canvasses in our areas, to mount postcard campaigns, to host phone banks, to support house parties — in short all the activities that go into vigorous campaigning for progressive candidates. AND we provide educational and informative programs on crucial issues like climate change, gun safety, the state budget, gerrymandering, healthcare, and much more. We run a tight ship, on a budget of approximately $20,000 a year. And that's why we need your financial support as well as your help with various election tasks. In other words, we wouldn't ask if it weren't important! You can donate online or bring a check, credit card, or cash to the event.

It's a busy time of year. No doubt that's why the events list for the next two weeks is rather slim. But nomination papers for the spring 2020 elections should be out soon and are due in Madison on Tuesday, January 7, 2020. The primary will be held on Tuesday, February 18. The nonpartisan election and the presidential primary is scheduled for April 7. For nonpartisan elections, early voting usually takes place for the two weeks prior to the primary or the election, ending on the Friday before the election at 5pm. Most of the cities, villages, and non-incorporated areas hold early voting at the primary administrative site for that entity. As usual, our website will have specific information for each area. In the meantime, however, mark your calendars with the important dates: Tuesday, February 18, for the primary and Tuesday, April 7, for the nonpartisan election and the presidential primary.

In addition to other important municipal and judicial elections, the spring elections will determine the make-up of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. And that election could not be more important for restoring balance, and dare I say sanity, to Wisconsin's politics. HUGE turnouts are our best weapons in both the February primary and the April election. Grassroots North Shore plans robust campaign activities ahead of those dates — more on the specifics as we move into January — and we hope you'll come work with us throughout the electoral season. At the very least, you need to plan to be informed about the candidates in your area and to make a plan to vote. You can vote by mail, you can vote early, or you can vote on election day itself. You can check your registration, ballot, and polling location at MyVote Wisconsin.

And here endeth the lesson!

EVENTS

Wed Nov 27, 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

Fri Nov 29, 2019

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. Hosted by 350 Milwaukee. More information.

Sat Nov 30, 2019

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
Highway 100 & North Avenue, Wauwatosa
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

Mon Dec 2, 2019

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 Dec 3, 2019

Earnell Lucas Fundraiser, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N. Water St., Milwaukee
Holiday Reception to support Milwaukee County Sheriff Earnell Lucas. He has spent the last year working every day to restore trust and integrity to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office. Sponsorship Levels: $1000; $500; $250; $100; Suggested Contribution: $50. Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated, but not required to attend. RSVP.

Wed Dec 4, 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.

Thu Dec 5, 2019

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 Dec 6, 2019

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. Hosted by 350 Milwaukee. More information.

Milwaukee Dems Holiday Party, 6pm - 6pm
Running Rebels Banquet Hall, 1300 W. Fond Du Lac Ave., Milwaukee
Please join us for a Holiday Party to support The 4th Congressional District of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin and the Milwaukee County Democratic Party. Please RSVP by ordering your tickets today. Donation levels: Individual $20; Supporter $100; Sponsor $200. If you have any questions please email or call Terrell Martin at (414) 758-1261.

Sat Dec 7, 2019

BLOC People's Assembly, 12pm - 2pm
Wisconsin Black Historical Society, 2620 W. Center St., Milwaukee
BLOC invites the community to provide feedback in the drafting of its policy platform for 2020. The platform will be drafted during the November 2 and November 9 meetings, and ratified on December 7. More info.

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

Sun Dec 8, 2019

Tipping Point Wisconsin: An Evening with Celinda Lake, 4pm - 6pm
Plymouth Church, 2717 E. Hampshire St., Milwaukee
Celinda Lake is one of the Democratic Party's leading political strategists, serving as tactician and senior advisor to the national party committees, dozens of Democratic incumbents, and challengers at all levels of the electoral process. You won't want to miss an evening hearing her deeply researched insights into the 2020 elections! Doors will open at 3:00pm. Street parking only. This is a fundraiser for Grassroots North Shore. RSVP.

Mon Dec 9, 2019

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.