I wanted to send this newsletter out a bit early this week because there are a couple of campaign kickoffs on Tuesday evening you might not want to miss (see the Events list below). But an emergency meeting of a working group for the Politics, Elections, and Campaigns committee got in the way. Oh well. This week is full of legal and political issues that look forward to the next election. But before we dive in, I want to wish everyone the warmest of holiday cheer. We are in the middle of Chanukah and looking forward to Christmas and Kwanzaa right around the corner, followed swiftly by New Year's Eve and Day. A busy time, and I hope some respite from angst and anger.
In the comeuppance division, Rudy G's trial for defamation began Monday. It's a jury trial but the main judgment — that he defamed Ruby Freeman and Wandrea Moss — has already been decided. Why? Because that great lawyer and statesman Giuliani repeatedly refused to obey the court's orders to produce evidence in the case and to turn it over to the plaintiffs. So the judge just declared judgment: Rudy is guilty of defamation! No doubt this case determining the amount RG must pay will be covered on the news. In their opening statement, "attorneys for Freeman and Moss played recordings of some of the messages for the jury in U.S. District Court in D.C., where Giuliani could be held liable for up to $43.5 million in damages" (Washington Post, December 11, 2023, gifted to get you through the paywall). The threats were of course racist and frightening.
Meanwhile, Dolt 45 once again shows that underneath all the bluster and bullying, he is a coward afraid to take the stand in his own defense in the NY State fraud trial. Alina Habba, one of his many defense lawyers, told the press last Thursday, "her boss 'doesn’t cower' and looked forward to testifying once again in his own defense" (Vanity Fair, December 11, 2023). And at his Saturday rally, TFG told yet another of his bizarre stories in which he claimed some unnamed but "fantastic" general once told him that debating Hillary Clinton after the Access Hollywood tape came out was more courageous than fighting a war. The author of the piece, Eric Lutz, writes, "If Trump is perhaps 'cowering' now, it may be because his last appearance on the witness stand didn’t go so well." In short, that first stint on the stand was a temper-tantrum. Lutz wryly notes that "there is a difference between making unchallenged statements outside the courtroom and making them on the witness stand, under oath."
A special election to replace expelled Representative George Santos will take place on February 13. The Democrats have already rallied behind the man who formerly held the seat — Tom Suozzi. (You can see his Ballotpedia page and his campaign website.) According to TPM, one potential opponent will be "Philip Sean Grillo, a 49-year-old man from Queens who ... filed the paperwork to run for office in New York’s 3rd Congressional District." Grillo, it turns out, participated in the January 6 Insurrection! He "was found guilty of 'felony obstruction of an official proceeding and other charges related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol,' the Department of Justice announced in a news release this week.” A convicted felon to replace the soon-to-be convicted felon who was just expelled? Why not.
Special counsel Jack Smith is making tracks. "The special counsel urged the justices to move with exceptional speed, and they quickly agreed to fast-track the first phase of the case, says Monday's New York Times (gifted). Smith filed the appeal Monday afternoon; the US Supreme Court granted at least the first part of his request, namely that they "put their consideration of whether to hear the case on a fast track." Benedict Donald's lawyers have until December 20 to file their response. At the same time, Smith's "team filed papers to Judge Chutkin asking her to keep the March 4 trial date and saying she could still work on certain aspects of the case even as the appeal was being heard." Every day we hear news about this criminal trial and every day our anxiety deepens. But Smith and company are on it.
On the home front, despite the fact that Wisconsin Elections Commissioner Robert Spindell together with the other nine fake GOP electors settled the civil suit against them and agreed that Joe Biden won the election here, Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu "rejected Democrats' calls to rescind [Spindell's] appointment to the state elections commission" (AP post in Daily Kos). LeMahieu's excuse? The imposters were simply following a "legal strategy" that failed. They definitely were NOT part of a "a sinister plot to overturn an election.” If you believe that crap, Devin LeMahieu no doubt has a bridge he wants to sell you.
Even though it's December and we're barreling towards the most intense holiday season of the year, we have to plan past January 1. So ...
Let's Take Action
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If you live in Milwaukee County, you would be doing a mitzvah (that is, a marvelous thing, a blessing) if you dropped by the Milwaukee County Democratic Party's office (2999 S Delaware Ave, Milwaukee) any time between 3:00 and 7:00pm on Wednesday, December 13. You can then sign nomination papers for both county and (if you reside there) and city candidates. Campaigns have only until January 2nd to collect and submit the necessary signatures to get on the ballot, so the sooner the signatures are collected, the better.
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Donate items to the Democrats "Christmas is for Kids Holiday Toy Drive." The Dems are collecting new, unwrapped toys for kids of all ages plus donations of new towels and washcloths, children's socks, child and adult sized t-shirts, and travel sized toiletries. This drive is for the benefit of St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care Bucyrus Campus and Mr. Bob's Under the Bridge Homeless Outreach. Donations can be dropped off at the Milwaukee Democratic Party Office (2999 South Delaware Ave, Milwaukee) Monday through Wednesday from 10:00am - 2:00pm (or during the Open House and nomination-paper signing from 3:00-7:00 on Wednesday, December 13) and on Thursday from 9:00am - 12:00pm. Items can also be dropped off at the Coordinated Campaign Office (8405 W Lisbon Ave, Milwaukee) Tuesday through Friday from 12:00pm through 8:00pm and Saturday from 9:00am - 5:00pm.
- Activate America has a new postcard writing opportunity focused on the special election for former Representative Santo's House seat taking place on Tuesday, February 13. The Democrat running for the seat is Tom Suozzi, who held the seat for 6 years before he left to run for governor. Activate America will be alerting voters to this “pop-up” election and boosting name recognition for this highly qualified candidate. To volunteer for this postcard campaign, just sign up HERE.
Other postcard campaigns at Activate America are also described on the sign-up page. But keep in mind that Grassroots North Shore will be working on a postcard campaign that will launch in January, 4-5 weeks ahead of the February 20, 2024, primary. We'll be soliciting your help too!
EVENTS
Tuesday, December 12
Marisabel for Milwaukee Southside Campaign Launch Birthday Celebration and Holiday Party5:00 - 7:00pm
Broken Bat Brewing Co., 135 E Pittsburgh Ave, Milwaukee
An event to celebrate the Holiday Season and Rep. Marisabel Cabreras Birthday. Featuring host: Milwaukee Common Council President Jos Prez. Sign up.
Sheldon Wasserman Campaign Kickoff6:00 - 8:00pm
3487 N. Lake Dr.
Join me as I kick off my 2024 campaign for Milwaukee County's 3rd Supervisory District. I am honored to have the top leadership of Milwaukee County — County Executive David Crowley and County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson — hosting my first major event and endorsing my campaign. This event will be an excellent opportunity to connect and discuss our vision for Milwaukee County. All guests are welcome and donations gratefully received. Please RSVP.
Wednesday, December 13
Holiday Open House, 1:00 - 7:00pm
MKE Dems Main Office, 2999 S Delaware St, Milwaukee
Visit the Dems, have some refreshments, sign multiple nomination papers for Milwaukee County and/or City candidates, and drop off new, unwrapped toys for kids of all ages (and/or donations of new towels, washcloths, children's socks and t-shirts, adult t-shirts, and travel sized toiletries). In short, give a little and be engaged. Donations benefit St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care Bucyrus Campus and Mr. Bob's Under the Bridge Homeless Outreach.
Thursday, December 14
Eras Senior Network Drive Through, 12:00 - 2:00pm
Clinton Rose Senior Center, 3045 N Doctor Martin Luther King Jr Drive, Milwaukee
Mr. & Mrs. Clause will be there and other organizations will give out resources. We will also give away hats/gloves, hams, and chickens. First come first served. (One ham or chicken per family.)
WisDems Monthly Milwaukee Get Together, 6:00 - 7:30pm
Dead Bird Brewing Company, 1726 N 5th St, Milwaukee
Come join us for our monthly get together! This is your chance to grab a beer, meet the team, hear about upcoming events, and decide the role you want to play in us winning big in Milwaukee in 2024! RSVP.
Friday, December 15
League of Progressive Seniors: Threats to Your Vote, 9:30am
Knickerbocker Hotel, 1028 East Juneau Ave. Milwaukee
Threats to Your Vote in Wisconsin: Join us for expert presentations from Claire Woodall (Executive Director, Milwaukee Election Commission) and Chris Larson (State Senator) for a discussion on voting issues and recent changes. Topics of discussion: early voting, including site issues in Milwaukee for 2024, and recent legislative efforts. Refreshments included. RSVP by email to [email protected]. If you'd like to attend but cannot, also email [email protected].
League of Women Voters Milwaukee Cafe, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Milwaukee Public Library East Branch Community Room, 2320 N Cramer St, Milwaukee
League Cafe meets monthly and welcomes League members old and new, as well as community members. In a small group setting, we get to know each other better, share knowledge and have interesting conversations. In rotating months, we meet as a general discussion group, and in opposite months, convene as a book club to discuss noteworthy books on racial equity, immigration and/or voting. Registration is not required.
Waukesha Dem Party Drag Show & Game Night, 7:00pm
Schuetze Recreation Center Activity Room, 1120 Baxter 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.
Saturday, December 16
Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
76th St and Layton Ave, Milwaukee
Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday.
Monday, December 18
Join Us for a Rally and Fundraiser for Evan Goyke for City Attorney!5:00 - 7:00pm
Best Place at the Historic Pabst, 917 W Juneau Ave, Milwaukee
Join Host Senator LaTonya Johnson for a special event for Evan Goyke. This is a time to sign nomination papers, get yard signs, raise money, sign up to endorse, support, and volunteer! Donate and/or sign up.
Wednesday, December 20
Oz Dems Monthly Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00pm
1930 Wisconsin Ave., Grafton
Join us at our Grafton Office as we gather to hear speakers and catch up on the local and state politics influencing Ozaukee County – while spending time with like-minded people. All interested people are encouraged to attend.
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, January 20
LWV Voter Registration Training, 10:00am - 12:00pm
League of Women Voters Office, 6737 W. Washington Street Atrium Conference Room, Milwaukee
2024 is going to be a very busy election year. Have you thought about helping the League with voter registration? If so, this is your opportunity to get trained in all of the twists and turns of online voter registration. Prepare yourself to help people register to vote! Learn how to register people to vote using MyVote.wi.gov. Learn what is acceptable photo ID for voting in Wisconsin and how to acquire it. Registration required. Questions regarding this announcement? Please email [email protected].
Multiple Dates and Times
Registration at Urban League Drivers Training Classes, Various
Milwaukee Urban League, 435 W North Ave, Milwaukee
Supermarket Legends have a new opportunity to answer questions about voting and to help with voter registration on the last days of the spring drivers training classes at the Milwaukee Urban League, 435 West North Avenue. We need volunteers to be available on the following dates and times:
- January 9, February 22, March 28 — 11:00am
- February 1 — 1:30pm
- January 11, February 8, March 14 — 6:45pm
If you can help, contact Linea Sundstrom.
other important links
Become a Member of Grassroots North Shore |
Milwaukee County Democratic Party |
Ozaukee County Democratic Party | |
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