In today's newsletter, I'll have plenty to say about everything in the news from the past week, but the most urgent matters have to do with what WE need to do. Let's be upbeat for a change. With our new maps in hand, we have a chance to achieve a truly representative legislature for the first time in 13 years! So let's get to work.
- Contact Norma Gilson to help with Campus Voter Engagement.
MIAD, Monday - Thursday March 18 - 20: 11:00am - 1:00pm
UWM Monday - Thursday March 25 - 28: 11:00am - 1:00pm - Contact Nancy Kaplan to make simple phone calls to strong Democratic women voters who received our postcard to make sure they have a plan to vote.
- Call, Text or Email 10 friends, neighbors, and relatives to tell them to vote NO on Questions 1 and 2 on their ballots. Then ask them to contact 10 of their friends, neighbors, and relatives with the same message.
The Democratic Party is hosting two special events this week and next.
-
North Shore Phone Bank Saturday, March 9th noon to 2:00 PM
Virtual
Join the North Shore Dems for a volunteer recruitment phonebank! We'll be meeting virtually to recruit other likeminded folks to knock on doors in the North Shore for Dem-aligned candidates running for office this April. We will train you on how to make effective phone calls before we start calling as a group. Bring yourself and your phone and call with us! Sign up.
-
Fox Point Dems Blue Brunch, Sunday, March 17
7632 N Beach Dr, Fox Point
Join the Fox Point Dems for a Blue Brunch and get out the volunteer textbank! We'll be reaching out to our networks to get our friends and families involved in our get out the vote efforts for the Spring Election on April 2nd. Grab a coffee and a snack mobilize your network! Sign up.
In addition, the Dems have scheduled canvasses for North Shore neighborhood teams. Surely we cannot complain about the weather (after all crocuses are already blooming). So sign up for something. Click on the links to see the days and times.
- Whitefish Bay Dems Team Building Textbank, 4845 N Newhall St, WFB: Saturday, March 10
- North Shore Dems Get Out the Vote in Whitefish Bay, 4845 N Newhall St., WFB: March 16, 24, 30, & April 1
- North Shore Dems Get Out the Vote in Shorewood, 4516 N Newhall St, Shorewood: March 16, 23, 30, & April 2
- Fox Point Dems Get Out the Vote, 7632 N Beach Dr, Fox Point: March 16, 17. 23, 24, 30, & 31
- Grassroots Glendale Gets Out the Early Vote, 6563 N Crestwood Dr: March 17 & March 24
- Lakefront Dems Get Out the Early Vote, 7632 N Beach Dr, Fox Point: Sunday March 17 and Sunday March 24:
In Ozaukee County, there will also be several events between now and Election Day:
- Ozaukee County General Election Kick-Off, DPOC office at 1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton: Saturday, March 9, 12:00 - 2:00pm
- Knock on Doors in Grafton/Cedarburg, 1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton: March 16 & 17, at 9:00am and at 12:00pm
- Knock on Doors in Grafton/Cedarburg, 1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton: March 23 & 24, various start times
- Knock on Doors in Grafton/Cedarburg, 1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton: March 28 & 30 and April 1 & 2, various start times
Looking to the longer term, Grassroots North Shore — alas — needs a new Treasurer. Here's a job description. If you or someone you know might be interested in the position, contact Co-Chair Cheryl Maranto or (414) 429-1583.
The right person enjoys bookkeeping, is proficient in Excel, and is willing to learn how to navigate various software platforms and ecommerce sites (ActBlue, NationBuilder, PayPal). The Treasurer is a member of the Administrative Committee and attends Administrative and Steering Committee meetings once/month.
And now for some news. As you will no doubt already know, Super Tuesday was yesterday. Depending on your point of view it was either a yawn or a Big F***ing Deal. The winners were of course President Joe Biden, for the Dems, and Dolt 45 for the MAGAites. Former Ambassador Nikki Haley dropped out but did not endorse you-know-who. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell announced he would be stepping down from leadership in the Senate and then endorsed the Barbecued Brutus despite his obvious loathing. This afternoon, Dean Phillips also ended his quixotic bid for the Democratic nomination for president and endorsed President Biden. Senators Manchin and Sinema have both called it quits. Political junkies could have slept through all these events, so packed were they with what everyone expected.
A lot of the outcomes were so thoroughly predictable, neither The Washington Post nor the New York Times featured analyses of the various outcomes in a major article above the (digital) fold. (The NYT does have a page devoted to Super Tuesday outcomes: scroll down to the section labeled "Analysis from our reporters.")
While all the breathless coverage of the foregone conclusion was going on, you may have missed some important stories. First Lady Jill Biden promoted her Women for Biden-Harris tour in Waukesha on Sunday. I was fortunate enough to be able to go. Her speech to the assembled throng was strong and uplifting: "Women put Joe Biden in the White House and women are going to do it again."
Federal prosecutors added 12 new felony counts to the indictment of Senator Bob Menendez and his wife. The scheme is pretty convoluted but involves bribery, fraud, extortion, and obstruction of justice. Perhaps you remember that when the FBI searched his house, they found a small fortune in gold bars stashed away there. Not the sort of thing a US Senator normally keeps under his bed, I imagine. See the account in Talking Points Memo for a fuller explanation. The senator has not, yet, resigned. But assuming he's convicted, New Jersey will need a new senator.
Has this bizarre winter weather freaked you out? Well wait until you see what spring is bringing us. It seems that "for the first time since Thomas Jefferson was president, two rare broods of cicadas will emerge at the same time." This event has a 221 year cycle. The last time the two broods emerged at the same time was in 1803! You can read about it in Here Come the Cicadas in Urban Milwaukee. The article warns that the noise from these insects could be really loud. The last time I experienced a major cicada invasion, I was living in Baltimore. Not only were the critters noisy, they were really crunchy underfoot and on the roads. And that's my off-beat tidbit for the week.
As the Biden-Trump rematch ramps up, everyone needs to engage now and for the rest of the year. The long first part of this email gives you a lot of choices. So, let's not wring our hands over every new poll and every new pundit alleging that Biden's age is more worrisome than The Former Guy's lies and nefarious plans. Don't agonize. ORGANIZE.
EVENTS
Wednesday, March 6
Urbanists for Mayor Cavalier Johnson, 5:00 - 7:00pm
The Fitzgerald, 1119 N Marshall St, Milwaukee
We are thrilled to invite you to an event that stands at the crossroads of urban development and progressive leadership. This event brings together urban development enthusiasts, community advocates, and friends of Milwaukee who support Mayor Johnson's vision of a thriving, forward-moving city. We are also thrilled to have the Sam Belton Jazz Experience performing live, bringing their soulful jazz music to add to the evening’s atmosphere. RSVP and donate.
Thursday, March 7
Wisconsin Day of Empathy, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Wisconsin State Capitol, Madison
Questions? Email Michael LaReau.
Support Liz Sumner, 5:30 - 7:00pm
Dorsia, 1307 E Brady St, Milwaukee
Join with us to help make Supervisor Liz Sumner become the next Milwaukee County Comptroller! With Liz facing an opponent in the race for Milwaukee County Comptroller, this gathering is more crucial than ever. RSVP and donate.
Milwaukee County State of the Union Watch Party, 7:00 - 9:00pm
Broken Bat Brewing Co., 135 E Pittsburgh Ave, Milwaukee
Join WisDems, DPMC, and all other Democratic supporters across Milwaukee County to get updates during the State of the Union and celebrate the successes of the Biden-Harris Administration. Register and sign up here.
Waukesha State of the Union Watch Party, 7:00 - 9:00pm
336 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha
On March 7th, President Biden will deliver the final State of the Union before the presidential election. We will be gathering at the office to surround ourselves with great friends and fellow Democrats to cheer on our President and kick off our campaigning locally to re-elect him, Vice President Harris and Senator Baldwin. We will be providing drinks and light food. This is going to be a heck of a fun party! Please register and sign up here.
Friday, March 8
International Women's Day, 12:30 - 3:00pm
Marcus Preforming Arts Center, Milwaukee
Join us for an inspiring event on International Women's Day, where women from all walks of life will come together to focus on the critical issue of pay equity and inclusion. This symposium, a collaborative effort by leading women's organizations, including LWVMC, aims to empower women with the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for themselves and others in the pursuit of fair and equitable compensation. Keynote speaker Emilie Aries, author of "Negotiate Like a Boss", will share her insights on negotiation strategies and effective ways to address pay disparity challenges. Attendees will engage in hands-on workshops to gain practical tools and skills. Other speakers will address the importance of civic engagement in advocating for a more just society. The afternoon ends with a lively Happy Hour at St. Kate's (across from the Marcus Center). Register.
Election Matters 2024: Current Challenges to Election Administration, 3:00 - 4:15pm
UW Law School, Rm 2260, Madison or Livestream
Over the last two election cycles, election administrators have worked under increasing pressure and scrutiny to deliver results both fast and accurately. This panel discussion will address the ongoing challenges facing election administrators and assess potential solutions to overcome them, with a catered reception to follow. Panelists include Edward Foley (OSU Moritz College of Law), Alice Miller (Election Center), Rachel Orey (Bipartisan Policy Center), and Mindy Romero (USC Price School of Public Policy). The panel will be moderated by ERC Director Barry Burden (UW-Madison). Register.
Saturday, March 9
Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
St Paul and Water, Milwaukee
Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday.
Protection March Weekend of Action Phonebank, 12:00 - 2:00pm
St Paul and Water, Milwaukee
Join our March Weekend of Action Phonebank! Protecting voting rights in Wisconsin starts with us. Help protect the vote in Wisconsin by recruiting poll observers for our April election! Poll observers are our eyes and ears at polling locations, and we need your help to recruit them so that voters can safely and easily cast their ballots this spring. All you need is your phone and a computer (laptop or desktop, not a tablet). Training is offered at every phonebank on Zoom, and we provide the script! You will receive a Zoom link for the phonebank in the confirmation email--please check your spam folder if you don’t see this email in your inbox. Sign up.
Caroline Gómez-Tom Fundraiser, 2:00 - 4:00pm
The Fortress, 1726 N 1st St, Milwaukee
Caroline is running to defend her seat as your District 14 Milwaukee County Supervisor. She needs your help so she can win her re-election and continue delivering real solutions for Milwaukee County's South Side. She is in a two-person race against the same perennial Republican candidate so there is no time to waste to help Caroline cross the finish line on April 2. RSVP and/or Donate.
Sunday, March 10
Forum for Shorewood School Board and Village Board Candidates, 12:00 - 1:30pm
Shorewood Village Center, 3920 N Murray Ave, Shorewood
For a seat on the Shorewood School Board, the candidates with the two highest vote totals in the February 20 primary three candidates vying for two seats on the Village Board will participate in a forum so that voters can become acquainted with their views ahead of the April 2 election.
Tuesday, March 12
PFAS: The Everyday, Everywhere Toxin, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Zoom
News about PFAS is infiltrating our lives and – appropriately for "forever chemicals" – isn't going away. Contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, has been found in sites all over Wisconsin, stemming from any number of the many ways these substances are used. Join us for the first of two virtual webinars that delve into how PFAS get into our bodies, how to protect ourselves, and what is happening at the state and federal level to mitigate this issue. Register. Speakers: Dr. Beth Neary, Co-President of Wisconsin Environmental Health Network, and Meleesa Johnson, Executive Director of Wisconsin’s Green Fire
Wednesday, March 13
Brookings Institute Program on AI Dangers, 1:00 - 2:00pm CST
Online
Join the Center for Technology Innovation at Brookings for a discussion moderated by Senior Fellow Darrell West along with a panel of experts, about the dangers posed by AI and election disinformation and ways to protect the general public. The last year has seen an explosion of accessible generative AI tools, which allow virtually anyone to rapidly and inexpensively create synthetic images, video, audio, and text. As the presidential election approaches, there are serious concerns about an explosion of disinformation and synthetic content that could impact what is expected to be a very close race. Political campaigns have already begun implementing generative AI tools to create advertisements, send robocalls and contact voters, prompting policymakers to propose major legislation and guardrails to protect the integrity of our elections.This event will be open to attend in person or watch online. Online viewers can submit questions via email to [email protected] or on X (formerly Twitter) @BrookingsGov using #AIElections.RSVP.
Bryan Kennedy Campaign Meet * Greet, 6:30 - 8:00pm CDT
Home of Jenna Kunde and Eric Zentner, 7306 N Pierron Rd, Glendale
Please join us at a meet and greet with former Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes. The event is free and open to the public. If you want to contribute to the campaign, you can feel free to do that through the website or at the event. However, a contribution is not required to attend the event. Please come out and show your support for me and meet Mandela, or just come ask us questions.
Support Peter Burgelis for 11th District Alderman, 6:30pm
Una Cafe, 4410 W Forest Home Ave, Milwaukee
Please join Common Council President Jose Perez and Southside Alders JoCasta Zamarripa, Marina Dimitrijevic, Jonathan Brostoff, and Scott Spiker to support Peter's campaign to represent the 11th District as Alderman. Its just a couple weeks until the April 2nd Spring Election! Help Peter's campaign continue its momentum to have a strong and successful finish! RSVP and Donate.
Aldermanic District 10 Candidates' Town Hall, 6:30pm
St Sebastian Parish Hall, 55th & Washington Blvd, Milwaukee
Be an informed voter! Meet the two candidates running to be Milwaukee’s 10th District Alder: Richard L. Gelden and Sharlen Moore. Learn about their visions for the future of Washington Heights, District 10 and the City of Milwaukee. The Town Hall will be moderated by Corrinne Hess, Wisconsin Public Radio Reporter based out of Milwaukee and resident of Washington Heights. Doors open at 6:00pm. Remember Election Day is Tuesday, April 2, 2024.
Thursday, March 14
Conservation Voters , 5:30 - 6:30pm
Whitefish Bay Public Library, 5420 Marlborogh Dr, WFB
Learn about Pres. Biden's Affordable Clean Energy Plan, what it offers, and how you and your friends and family can benefit! In 2022, Congress and the Biden Administration passed the largest investment in climate action in U.S. history. Learn more about the benefits available to install energy efficient appliances and solar panels, reduce your home's energy usage, buy electric vehicles, and much more – all with major cost savings! Sign up.
Saturday, March 16
Get Out the Vote — Spring Election, 9:00am - 3:00pm
Ozaukee County Dems
Help connect with Ozaukee County voters ahead of the April 2 Spring Election. You can contact us at www.ozdems.org.
Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Capitol and Oakland, Milwaukee
Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday.
Sunday, March 17
Get Out the Vote — Spring Election, 9:00am - 3:00pm
Ozaukee County Dems
Help connect with Ozaukee County voters ahead of the April 2 Spring Election. You can contact us at www.ozdems.org.
Know What Is on the April 2 Ballot, 5:00 - 6:15pm
Zoom
This Grassroots North Shore program focuses on the two ballot questions that propose to change the Wisconsin Constitution. Our speakers — Madison-based attorney Doug Poland and State Senator Mark Spreitzer — will enlighten us by addressing what the proposed amendments say and mean. And why they're on the ballot. RSVP here.
Tuesday, March 19
2024 State of the County Address, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Discovery World, 500 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee
Here County Executive David Crowley assess the state of our county. Doors open at 11:00am.
Wednesday, March 20
Ozaukee Dems Monthly Meeting, 7:00pm
1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton
Program to be announced.
Thursday, March 21
Biden In the Battleground: How Democrats win in 2024, 6:00pm CDT
Zoom
Join the Jewish Battleground Coalition for a free Zoom event to hear from those with their boots on the ground in battleground states. Learn what we need to do to make sure Joe Biden — and many Democrats — win! Featuring state party leaders from key battleground states: Nikki Fried (Chair, Florida Democratic Party), Mitch Kates (Executive Director, Pennsylvania Democratic Party), and Ben Wikler (Chair, Wisconsin Democratic Party). Register.
Waukesha Dems Monthly Meeting, 7:00pm
Southminster Presbyterian Church, Richard St, Waukesha
Program to be announced.
SAVE THE DATE
Friday, March 22
The Role of the City Attorney: Evan Goyke and Tearman Spencer, 9:30am
Knickerbocker Hotel, 1028 E Juneau, Milwaukee
The League of Progressive Seniors and Souls to the Polls invite you to this candidate forum. Not a debate, each candidate will speak for 20 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of Q and A. Coffee and refreshments will be served. Please email if you plan to attend (that way there will be enough goodies to go around).
Saturday, March 23
Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
King and North Ave, Milwaukee
Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday.
4th CD Convention, time TBA
McGovern Senior Center, 4500 W Custer Ave, Milwaukee
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin 4th Congressional District will hold its annual convention on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at McGovern Park Senior Center 4900 W. Custer Ave Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53218. Registration opens at 11:00 am. The Convention convenes from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Please RSVP by ordering your tickets below. Questions? Please email [email protected] or call (414) 324-1139. ActBlue provides a unique way for you to make your voice echo in the corridors of power. Please support them with a 10% tip when you contribute.. Register.
Sunday, March 24
DPMC's Annual Gala: 2024 MKE DEMocracy, 5:30 - 8:00pm
Italian Community Center, 631 E Chicago St, Milwaukee
Special guests and speakers will be announced soon. We will also honor our award recipients. Please RSVP names and dietary needs by Friday March 15th to [email protected]. Checks may be sent to 1975 S 70th St West Allis, WI 53219. You can buy tickets through ActBlue. The Deadline for ticket purchases in March 14. Get a wiggle on!
Wednesday, March 27
Hack the Dream, 9:30am - 1:30pm
Northwestern Mutual, 1100 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee
Honoring the birthday and legacy of Cesar Chavez. Sponsored by Wisconsin Voices.
Friday, March 29
LWVMKE League Cafe, 10:000am - 12:00pm
Milwaukee Public Library, 6737 W Washington St, Suite 2212, West Allis
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.
other important links
Become a Member of Grassroots North Shore
|
Milwaukee County Democratic Party |
| Ozaukee County Democratic Party | |
Showing 1 reaction
Sign in with