indulge me in a sad comment about the state of the world. Israel has begun its long-promised invasion of Gaza. Many Palestinian civilians have no doubt been killed and wounded in the bombings that preceded the invasion and now in the invasion itself. That is an awful truth. But while conditions continue to deteriorate for the millions of Palestinians who must live there, we cannot forget that this evil war began with an unspeakable terrorist attack from Hamas, torturing and killing (mostly civilians) indiscriminately. Hamas also took more than 200 hostages into Gaza where most of them presumably remain, vowing to kill all of them if Israel retaliated. Their location and their fate are unknown. The heinous attack was clearly meticulously planned, constitutes the worst antisemitic pogrom since the Holocaust, and has engendered a world-wide upswelling of antisemitism, frightening and threatening Jews everywhere.
At Cornell University (where I earned my PhD), the Ithaca Journal reported that Cornell Hillel advises caution after 'horrendous, antisemitic messages' target community: "Cornell Hillel, a Jewish organization, on Sunday cautioned that people not visit a building that includes a multicultural dining hall and serves as a center for the Jewish community after it was targeted by antisemitic threats." CNN notes that "Outbursts of antisemitism have often been harbingers of societies in deep trouble and omens that extremism and violence are imminent... The Hamas attacks – a pogrom against Jews that killed 1,400, mostly civilians – have initiated a sequence of events that have left Jewish people around the world feeling threatened." All of us — not just Jews — live in precarious times.
Meanwhile, here in the "us" — Boss Tweet's startling discovery that the objective form of the word "we" also signifies the U.S.! (watch) — MAGA Mke, the newly elected Speaker of the House, is already running into legislative trouble over his proposal to reject President Biden's $106 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other urgent needs. Speaker Johnson's promoting his own $14.3 billion package that takes the funds from the IRS and uses them to aid only Israel. See the (gifted article) account in the Washington Post, Speaker Johnson faces immediate backlash to first legislative move. We face a government shutdown in just a few weeks and it's unclear at this point whether the House can even pass another Continuing Resolution to extend the time they have to pass the appropriations bills necessary to fund the federal government for the fiscal year that began a month ago!
Elections are coming: they don't solve everything but they're our only hope, right? As Grassroots North Shore begins its preparations for the 2024 elections in earnest, we're holding a Webinar on Sunday, November 12, to address one of the critical ways Democrats and Progressives can win: getting the messaging right: Can Democrats Win the Messaging War in 2024?. The program will feature a taped interview with David Pepper, former Chair of the Democratic Party of Ohio and author of Saving Democracy: A User's Manual for Every American, and live remarks from Melissa Agard, WI Senate Majority Leader; and Mandela Barnes, head of Power to the Polls. The program will discuss the power of well-crafted messaging. So get the full skinny and sign up.
Another good messaging document comes from ASO Communications, the messaging and polling organization headed by Anat Shenker Osorio (also host of the podcast Words to Win By): Freedom Over Fascism Toolkit.
In Wisconsin we continue to battle the MAGA-led legislature over fair election maps. The Wisconsin Democracy Campaign announced that it began running a redistricting radio ad Monday, October 30th. This ad will run on every Civic Media radio station in Wisconsin. You may be wondering, why run radio ads right now? Well, the Wisconsin State Senate will be back in session on Tuesday November 7th which means the legislature may attempt to force a vote on SB 488/AB 415 (the flawed redistricting bills). It is important that every Wisconsinite take a minute or two to call your state senator and let them know that rushing how Wisconsin draws legislative district maps in the future is unacceptable. We want the best bill possible to produce the fairest maps possible. Listen to the radio ad: click the link to open the mp3 file or right click to download it: Wisconsinites Will Not Be Silenced On Voting Maps.
To cure a deficiency with the redistricting bill that was introduced and passed in the Assembly without a public hearing, the senate committee on Shared Revenue, Elections and Consumer Protection had a hastily announced hearing on October 19 about SB 488 (the senate version of AB 415), a bill Republicans claim will ensure that election district maps will be drawn in a non-partisan way. Almost all the testimony opposed the bill. Watch the full SB 488 hearing. Warning: it goes on for about four hours. Cheryl Maranto's outstanding testimony starts at the 3 hour mark. I recommend it highly, especially the way she fielded questions from the senators.
You can find the contact information for your state senator at 2023 Wisconsin State Senators. By default, the page lists senators alphabetically but you can choose to have them listed by district number. If you don't know the name of your senator or what your senate district is, you can go to the legislature's home page and type in your address to receive the information. You can also contact the members of the committee. Their names and contact information are listed on this pdf.
In other election matters, the Wisconsin Elections Commission has redesigned the return envelopes — the certification envelopes — for absentee ballots to make them easier to fill out correctly and for postal and election workers to identify them. The League of Women Voters has provided this description:
- Blue envelopes will be used for outgoing envelopes mailed to voters from municipal clerks.
- Purple envelopes will be used for standard return envelopes that voters mail in.
- Teal envelopes will be used for return envelopes from care facility-based voters.
- Brown envelopes will be used for return envelopes from military or overseas voters."
* * * * * TAKE MORE ACTION * * * * *
There's a lot you can do right now, ahead of the 2024 elections, to help voters and to educate them about the issues. Here are a few of those actions:
- Sign up for one of the many Year to Win canvasses near you — or maybe not so near you. See the full list at Mobilize.us.
- Here's a list of canvasses on Saturday, November 4, and Sunday, November 5, in the North Shore and Ozaukee County (See the Events list or click these links for specific dates and shift times):
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Phonebank ahead of the Ohio election: Help the pro-choice citizens who put a state constitutional amendment on the ballot by phoning to Get Out the Vote in Ohio. The election takes place on November 7 and early voting is already under way. The first opportunity is tomorrow, Wednesday, November 1. A second opportunity is on Monday, November 6. Sign up.
- Make calls to Ohio beginning Tuesday, October 31 at 5:00pm CDT and ending Tuesday, November 7, at 4:00pm CST. Sponsored by Women's March Action and Activate America. Sign up.
There are more things to do and to attend on the Events list. So have at it. (And have a happy, sorta snowy Halloween.)
EVENTS
Wednesday, November 1
Deb Andraca Fundraiser, 5:00 - 7:00pm
Three Lions Pub, 4515 N Oakland Ave, Shorewood
With special guest, David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive.The Wisconsin State Legislature is making big changes that will have long-term impacts on Milwaukee County, such as the new shared revenue proposal and the pending agreement for the Brewers' stadium. The County Executive and his team have successfully turned a new page on Milwaukee - Madison relations, and I hope you will join us as we talk about what's ahead. RSVP — or simply make a donation.
PROTECT REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS in Ohio, 5:00 - 7:00pm CDT
Virtual, hosted in Columbus, OH
We'll be using an automated dialer to inform our base about the ongoing election and the importance of turning out to vote YES on Issue 1 to protect reproductive freedom in Ohio. We must pass Issue 1 to prevent Ohioans from being subject to an extreme six week abortion ban. Help us get out the vote! Sign up.
Thursday, November 2
Day of the Deeds Fundraiser for Issy Ramón, TBD
1407 S 1st Street, Milwaukee
Fundraiser for Issy Ramón, Milwaukee County's Register of Deeds since he was appointed to the position in May 2019. In his time in office, he has implemented a number of reforms, both to systems for accounting and to staff interactions with customers. Now he's running for office and seeks your support. Please donate.
Meet Jack Eckblad, 5:30 - 7:00pm
Address upon RSVP
The weather is getting colder, but the race for County Board District 4 is only heating up. Come meet Jack, join the campaign, and talk about the plan to deliver services with bold, responsible leadership for Milwaukee County. Join hosts Barbara Eckblad and Steven Petrie in Milwaukee for the reception. Donations of any amount are welcome! Donate and RSVP.
Milwaukee Fundraiser for Katrina Shankland, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Wheel and Sprocket, 187 E Becher St Suite A, Milwaukee
Katrina Shankland, a life-long Wisconsin resident, has stepped up to run in the 3rd Congressional District against incumbant Derrick Van Orden. (Ron Kind was the former incumbant.) Come meet her and support her. Donate and RSVP.
Saturday, November 4
Fox Point/Bayside Dems One Year to Win Canvass, 9:00am - 12:00pm & 12:00 - 3:00pm
Sign up for details
Come join us as we talk to voters in Fox Point one year ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election! Sign up.
Knock doors in Grafton & Cedarburg with Special Guest Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, 9:00am - 12:00pm & 12:00 - 3:00pm
1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton
Join the OzDems to build relationships with voters in Grafton and Cedarburg! Sign up.
Knock doors in Mequon, 9:00am - 12:00pm & 12:00 - 3:00pm
TBA
Knock doors in Mequon and talk to Democrats! Sign up.
Knock doors in Port Washington, 12:00 - 3:00pm
TBA
Join us to talk to voters in Port Washington about the issues that matter most to them! Sign up.
Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Sherman Blvd and North Ave, Milwaukee
Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday.
Shorewood Dems One Year to Win Canvass, 9:00am - 12:00pm, 12:00 - 3:00pm & 3:00 - 6:00pm
4651 N Newhall St, Shorewood
Come join the Shorewood Dems ONE YEAR out from the presidential election to knock doors and talk to voters about the issues that matter most to them! Sign up.
Grassroots Glendale One Year to Win Canvass, 12:00 - 3:00 & 3:00 - 6:00pm
6563 N Crestwood Dr, Glendale
Come join us in Glendale as we knock doors and talk to voters about the issues that matter most to them! Sign up.
Rufus King Community Building Canvass , 12:00 - 3:00 & 3:00 - 6:00pm
Milwaukee Public Library Atkinson Branch, 1960 W Atkinson Ave, Milwaukee
Join the WisDems for a day of door-knocking! We will be talking to other Democrats to get them involved in our organizing program ahead of 2024. This is a great opportunity for new canvassers to get a feel for knocking doors, so bring a first-time canvasser along with you and get to know your Dem neighbors and the issues they care about! Sign up.
Join Senator Tammy Baldwin in Milwaukee! 4:30 - 6:00pm
Address upon RSVP
Elizabeth Lentini, Kevin Gibson, Terry Wiggins, Bruce Wiggins, Cheryl Maranto, Steve Ferguson, Dianna Dentino invite you to an event with Senator Tammy Baldwin in support of Baldwin for Wisconsin! Senator Baldwin will be in attendance. Donation suggestions range from $50 to $1000. Any amount will be appreciated. Donate online or send a check to Baldwin for Wisconsin, PO Box 696, Madison, WI 53701.
Sunday, November 5
Fox Point/Bayside Dems One Year to Win Canvass, 9:00am - 12:00pm & 12:00 - 3:00pm
Sign up for details
Come join us as we talk to voters in Fox Point one year ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election! Sign up.
Whitefish Bay Deep Canvassing, 9:00am - 12:00pm & 3:00 - 6:00pm
4845 N Newhall St, Whitefish Bay
Come join us in Whitefish Bay as we knock doors and talk to voters about the issues that matter most to them! Sign up.
Grassroots Glendale One Year to Win Canvass, 3:00 - 6:00pm
6563 N Crestwood Dr, Glendale
Come join us in Glendale as we knock doors and talk to voters about the issues that matter most to them! Sign up.
Monday, November 6
PROTECT REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS in Ohio 5:00 - 7:00pm CST
Virtual, hosted in Columbus, OH
We'll be using an automated dialer to inform our base about the ongoing election and the importance of turning out to vote YES on Issue 1 to protect reproductive freedom in Ohio. We must pass Issue 1 to prevent Ohioans from being subject to an extreme six week abortion ban. Help us get out the vote! Sign up.
Tuesday, November 7
Caroline Gómez-Tom for County Board, 5:30 - 7:00pm
Transfer Pizzeria Café, 101 W Mitchell St, Milwaukee
Join Caroline as she recaps the work she's been doing to serve District 14 in the six months since her election and how she plans to continue serving her community for a second term. Donate today to help Caroline continue to serve District 14. To contribute offline, checks can be made out and mailed to:
"Caroline Cares for Milwaukee"
PO BOX 210852
Milwaukee, WI 53221-9998
Saturday, November 11
Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Kinnickinnic Ave and Lincoln Ave, Milwaukee
Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday.
Waukesha Dems Drag Show, 6:00pm
Southminster Presbyterian Church, 200 Richard St, Waukesha
Join us for our first ever drag show and only fun-raiser of 2023! This will be a fun night of bingo, games, photo ops, and fun! All funds raised will go to support our 2024 plans to win local races before re-electing Tammy Baldwin and Joe Biden! Waukesha County will be #Crucial to winning Wisconsin, your donation sets us up for success. There will be prizes, fun, BBQ catering, and MORE! Buy tickets.
Armistice Day observance, 7:00 - 7:30pm
Milwaukee City Hall, 220 E Wells St, Milwaukee
Sponsored by Veterans for Peace and a coalition of peace and justice groups. Speakers: Medea Benjamin, co-founder of national women-led peace group CODEPINK, and Mark Denning, educator, lecturer and curriculum specialist in Native American history and culture. Music by Holly Haebig and Harvey Taylor. Free public event. All welcome.
Sunday, November 12
Oz Dem's JFK Dinner, 4:00 - 7:00pm
The Avenue, 795 Fond du Lac Ave, Fond du Lac
Doors will open at 4 p.m. for Cocktails, followed by dinner at 5 p.m., with program to follow at 6 p.m. Keynote Speaker will be Jesus Salas, author of Obreros Unidos: The Roots and Legacy of the Farmworkers Movement. This will be a great time to meet like minded Progressives. This will be a fundraiser to unseat Glenn Grothman! Purchase your ticket here.
Can Democrats Win the Messaging War in 2024? 7:00 - 8:30pm
Virtual
Grassroots North Shore presents an online discussion of messaging tactics and challenges in the 2024 elections, both national and statewide. Featured speakers David Pepper (Saving Democracy), Melissa Agard (WI Senate Majority Leader), and Mandela Barnes (Power to the Polls), offer knowledgeable, insider views of how to win the all-important state and national elections in 2024. Sign up.
Monday, November 13
Fact or Fiction: Dispelling Abortion Care Myths, 6:30 - 8:00pm
Zoom and Summit Place, 6737 W. Washington Street, West Allis,
Join us for a discussion with experts on the medical and legal aspects of reproductive health care. In this first in a series of forums, we will examine some of the facts and myths around this complicated, and often contentious, topic in order to work toward effective public policy. Free admission. Registration required for in-person and Zoom attendance. Register here.
SAVE THE DATE
Wednesday, November 15
EMERGE Wisconsin Woman of the Year 2023, 6:00pm
Greenhouse 7, 524 S Layton Blvd, Milwaukee
Join us as we celebrate the acheievements of Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, as well as take the time to reconnect with our Emerge family at the return of Woman of the Year! Buy tickets.
Saturday, November 18
Learn (on Zoom) to Register WI Democrats (In Person)! 12:00 - 1:00pm (CST)
Online
Want to do something concrete to fight voter suppression and elect more Democrats in the crucial state of Wisconsin? Learn to register Democrats, the Field Team 6 way! It's the #1 most direct, effective way to swing elections – and it's also incredibly fun. We'll introduce you to Field Team 6, let you in on all the secrets of successful voter registration, and answer all your questions. You'll leave the call fired up, and knowing everything you need to lead your own voter drive! Sign up.
Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
92nd St and North Ave, Milwaukee
Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday.
Wednesday, November 29
On the Issues: Wisconsin Election Outlook, 12:15 - 1:15
Eckstein Hall | Lubar Center (1215 W Michigan, Milwaukee) and online
Lubar Center Director Derek C. Mosley will talk with Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette Law School Poll and professor of law and public policy; Craig Gilbert, Lubar Center Fellow, and longtime journalist in Washington, D.C., whose election analysis appears in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel; and Julia Azari, professor of political science at Marquette University and a regular contributor to national discussions of politics. They will discuss Wisconsin's 2024 election outlook, including the effects of changes in voter demographics and highlights of polling data on some of the state's most significant issues. Sign up.
other important links
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