from the national to the local, political things are popping

Did you watch President Biden take on his predecessor in his State of the Union last Thursday? Of course the most important part of the speech outlined his vision for the future and the kinds of policies that would move the country toward that future. But it sure was fun to hear him take on Cult 45 directly, though without saying his name. If you didn't see it live, you can enjoy it in a video posted on the White House website. It's well worth your time.

Last week, I focused on events happening locally. But this week there's so much going on in the various civil suits and prosecutions of Adolph Twitler that I thought it was time for a little catching up. The following list of events has been excerpted from Just Security's Master Calendar of Trump Court Dates: Criminal and Civil Cases.

In the past week, the civil suit brought by police injured on January 6, 2021 (aka Blassingame), made some progress. Judge Amit Mehta set a deadline of March 8 for a status report that summarizes the parties' discussions of potential stipulations, disputed facts, and the scope of discovery. On Tuesday, March 12, Judge Mehta held a hearing on the status of the case.
In the NY State civil fraud case that resulted in a HUGE penalty of $450 million (more or less), Monday, March 11, was the last day for the government to file its opposition to 45's application for a stay pending appeal of the district court's verdict. By Sunday, March 17, the Independent Monitor overseeing the Trump Organization's transactions is to file (1) a proposed order “outlining the specific authority that she needs, and the obligations of defendants, in order to effectuate a productive and enhanced monitorship going forward,” and (2) a list of “persons who she recommended be appointed the Trump Organization’s “Independent Director of Compliance.” The perp has until March 25 to pay up or secure a bond for the penalty amount.
In the Georgia RICO case, Judge McAfee dismissed six of the charges in the original indictment, three of which were against TFG. Although he dismissed charges having to do with soliciting Georgia officials — such as Secretary of State Brad Raffensburger — to violate their oaths of office, the charges can be reinstated in effect if "prosecutors seek a new indictment." Here's the AP story.
The Mar-a-Lago case has a number of hearings and deadlines coming up.
- On March 14, Judge Cannon will hold a hearing on the Big Lie-bowski's motion to dismiss the case — based on claims of unconstitutional vagueness — and on the Big Lie-bowski and Mr. Nauta's motion to dismiss — based on the Presidential Records Act.
- Replies in support of the two motions are due by 8am; replies in support of other pretrial motions are due by the end of the day.
And the US Supreme Court set April 25 as the date for oral arguments in Benedict Donald's claim of complete immunity from prosecution for any acts he committed during his presidency.

Under the heading "stuff I'd rather not have to deal with," the No Labels crowd is forging ahead. The "movement" as yet has no candidates and as far as I can tell no settled process for nominating said (non-existant) candidates. As the Washington Examiner put it: "So now No Labels is also No Candidate."

One allure of No Labels (NL) for the ambitious person who thinks he or she can win on the NL ballot line may be access to the ballot in all or most states. As of mid-March, "No Labels has access to the ballot in 14 states and will perhaps win access to another 14 in the months ahead." But of course even if the organization pulls this feat off, the candidates will be on the ballot in only 56% of the states. (A second big threat to the 2024 presidential election has seemed to come from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. But Axios is reporting that although he has secured ballot access in only one state — Utah — he is "poised to soon qualify in six more states, including three key battlegrounds.")

In fact the NL and RFK Jr. gambits seem aimed primarily at the battleground states. But that strategy can ONLY act as a spoiler since it would not be possible to acquire the 270 electoral college votes needed to win the presidency. Doesn't that set of facts give away the whole game?

In head-scratchers closer to home, Wisconsin MAGA Republicans want to recall Speaker Robin Vos because he has been insufficiently devoted to the lie that the Commander in Cheese really did win Wisconsin and the whole presidential election in 2020. Wisconsin Public Radio reported the group's claim that they had collected 11,000 signatures. Although the article stipulates that a successful effort to put a recall on a ballot in Vos's district would require something like 7,000 valid signatures, the exact number depends on whether the signatures come from residents of Vos's district as it was defined by the 2022 maps or whether they need to come from the district now defined by the newly adopted maps.

On Tuesday, March 12, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that "Wisconsin Elections Commission staff determined the recall organizers did not obtain enough signatures from residents in the district Vos was elected in when the recall began, falling about 945 signatures short." To add to the confusion about district lines, "the state Supreme Court declined to weigh in on Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' request to clarify whether the state's new legislative districts apply to elections held before November, leaving potential questions about how election officials will address the proposed recall." Anyway, what's up with a recall election four or five months before Vos and all Assembly representatives are already facing the voters (in the new districts)?

In our own backyard, so to speak, Grassroots North Shore is hosting a program about the two ballot questions that, if approved, will amend the Wisconsin Constitution. Know What is on the April 2 Ballot will allow you to understand what the amendments say and what they actually mean. Like may progressive organizations, Grassroots North Shore has taken a firm stand. We urge everyone to vote NO on both questions. The shorthand reason is that both threaten to damage how we will be able to conduct future elections. But come to the program to hear attorney Doug Poland explain how these amendments pose a danger to our elections. State Senator Mark Spreitzer will also fill us in on the road these proposals took through the legislature and why they are now on the ballot. Also at the meeting, Anne O'Connor, who is running for a seat on the Milwaukee Board of County Supervisors, will have a chance to talk to some of the people she will be representing.

I've put two new sections into this week's newsletter and will continue that practice until after the April 2 election. One of the sections will provide you with quick links to sign up for canvasses in various communities. The second section will provide you with descriptions of other ways you can pitch in to help Democrats win. And after that rousing State of the Union speech, I hope everyone is now Ridin' with Biden and ready to plunge joyously into the work it takes to win elections. Remember that we are — always — within the margin of effort.

Canvassing with WisDems

North Shore Communities

North Shore Dems Get Out the Vote in Whitefish Bay, 4845 N Newhall St., WFB: March 17, 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
Grassroots Glendale Gets Out the Vote, 6563 N Crestwood Dr: March 30 & April 1
Lakefront Dems Get Out the Early Vote, 7632 N Beach Dr, Fox Point: Sunday, March 17, and Sunday, March 24

Ozaukee County

Knock on Doors in Mequon, March 16
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
Knock on Doors in Grafton/Cedarburg, 1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton: March 28 & 30 and April 1 & 2, various start times

Other Worthy Actions

Sign up to be a Poll Observer
Time is running out to sign up to be a poll observer on April 2nd! Poll observers are the eyes and ears of our team on Election day and are a great resource for voters who might need help. Poll observers are fully trained in Wisconsin election law and you will have full communication and support form our team on Election Day. Fill out the sign up form here to join our team for the April Election and you can reach out to [email protected] with any questions. Sign up here.

Go to the Wisconsin Grassroots Festival
The Wisconsin Grassroots Network (WGN) provides support to community-based grassroots organizations, helping them to grow. Our Grassroots Festival encourages networking among these organizations and is an ideal venue for connecting them to citizens who are looking for a way to get involved. We provide these services to promote democracy, justice, and equality throughout Wisconsin. The Fifteenth Annual meeting will be held on Saturday, May 4, at Lawrence University's Warch Campus Center, 711 E Boldt Way, Appleton, WI 54911. Visit the website and register online.

Write Postcards to Swing States
More than 2,900 people signed up or tuned in to the recent webinar about Swing States' 2024 postcard program. For those who missed it, you can still watch the webinar recording on YouTube. The webinar is NOT required or a training — we shared an overview of our program, how we know postcards work, and answered questions. Here are the key details: Sign-ups for free postcards start on May 1 at turnoutpac.org/postcards. They plan to send 25 million postcards for the Nov 5 general election to potential Democratic voters in swing states, states with key Senate races, and competitive US House and state legislative districts. You pick the state when you sign up, and they'll mail the cards to you with voter lists and instructions with message options within a couple weeks. Almost anyone can write postcards from anywhere as time allows between May and the mailing dates in October. They also have a 2024 Postcard Program flyer with all the useful information that you can download and share (may not open on all phones).

EVENTS

Wednesday, March 13

Brookings Institute Program on AI Dangers, 1:00 - 2:00pm CDT
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

Voter Protection Recruitment Phonebank: April Election, 12:00 - 2:00pm
Virtual
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.

Weekly Brown Deer/Rufus King Organization Meeting, 5:00 - 6:30pm
Milwaukee Public Library, 7715 Good Hope Rd, Milwaukee
Come join us for our weekly Brown Deer / Rufus King Democrats get together. We will be talking about ways to get involved and plans for the community heading into 2024. Sign up.

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

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

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.

Monday, March 18

Tuesday, March 19

2024 State of the County Address, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Discovery World, 500 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee
Hear 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
Join us at our Grafton office every third Wednesday of the month at 7:00. Meet like-minded people who are your neighbors and committed to electing Democrats here in Ozaukee County.

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.

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).

Online to Offline Organizing, 6:30 - 7:30pm CT
Virtual
Join the IVE Team for School of Democracy's session led by WISDOM's Digital Organizer Amanda Ali! You will learn about digital tactics to move people from online spaces to offline and encourage them to take action and engage with your organization. Once you register, you will recieve a seperate email from Zoom with a Zoom link. For questions, please contact Amanda Ali. Register.

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, 100 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee
Honoring the birthday and legacy of Cesar Chavez. Sponsored by Wisconsin Voices.

SAVE THE DATE

Thursday, March 28

When I'm 64: Celebrating Chris Sinicki's birthday, 5:00 - 7:00pm
Barbiere's Italian Restaurant, 1021 Milwaukee Ave, Milwaukee
This event mark's Chris Sinicki's 64th birthday and supports her re-election in her newly designed Assembly District. To raise the funds necessary to protect this seat, and take back the majority in the Wisconsin Assembly, she is asking for donations: George $28 | John $64 | Ringo $100 | Paul $200. Sign up.

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.

Saturday, March 30

Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Cesar Chavez (16th) and Greenfield, Milwaukee
Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday.