Yesterday was another primary, this one in Pennsylvania. The downballot races were interesting but what caught my eye, really, was the percent of the GOP presidential primary vote that did not vote for TFG. In the five Philadelphia suburbs, that percent ranged from a high of 25% in Montgomery County to a low of 19% in Bucks County. Although the comparisons are not exact, that led me to calculate the percent of the GOP primary vote for Nikki Hayley in the North Shore and the main population centers in Ozaukee County. (A small percentage of anti-Trump votes went for Chris Christie, Vivek Ramaswamy, or Ron DeSantis, but those dissenting votes were not tabulated in this data set.) Here is the percent of votes for Hayley in key cities and villages:
Shorewood | 38% |
River Hills | 33% |
Whitefish Bay | 32% |
Fox Point | 32% |
Bayside | 28% |
Glendale | 23% |
Cedarburg | 23% |
Mequon | 22% |
Thiensville | 21% |
Port Washington | 20% |
Grafton | 19% |
Brown Deer | 16% |
Learn more about Wisconsin voters who have turned away from Adolf Twittler by visiting a page of video testimonials from Wisconsin voters who supported Orange Julius in the past.
The Washington Post has a decent article about the Pennsylvania results, even though it dabbles in "bothsidesism" see: Protest votes in Pennsylvania primary loom over Trump, Biden in November. The piece does note the Wisconsin results as well as those from Pennsylvania. In Wisconsin, Biden's share of the Democratic vote in the North Shore and Ozaukee County was pretty consistently at 90% or above. So the Democratic Party here looks pretty unified. But the Republican party in our neck of the woods does not. After all, Nikki Haley had dropped out of the race on March 6, almost two weeks before early in-person voting in Wisconsin took place. When I look at the numbers, I see fertile ground for persuasion. Even if disaffected Republicans can't see their way to vote for President Biden, we will make progress if we persuade them either to stay home or at least to refrain from voting in the presidential election.
Looking foreward: consider attending Grassroots North Shore's presentations on the new election maps in place for the November 5 election. We're holding the New Maps: What's In Them For You event on Sunday, May 19, at Plymouth Church (2017 E Hampshire St, Milwaukee) from 4:30 - 6:00pm. Come meet the candidates and kick off their campaigns by signing their nomination papers. For the first time in over a decade, we can begin to rebalance the legislature this November. Four seats in particular are within reach: Assembly Districts 22, 23, and 24 plus Senate District 8. You can RSVP now. Even if you can't come, you can sign the nomination papers for candidates in whose districts you reside. Just visit our Elections 2024 page for instructions and links to download the forms.
You have probably heard that the package of aid for Ukraine, Israel, and our allies in Taiwan and other Pacific countries has at last passed both House and Senate. President Biden is scheduled to sign the bill into law today. It has taken six long months of obstruction by MAGA Republicans in the House. All the while President Biden remained patient but engaged. Speaker Mike Johnson indulged his right flank for quite a long time before he decided to build coalitions of more moderate Republicans and virtually every Democrat in the House. The bill passed overwhelmingly in the Senate too, although there were definitely some contrary views too. You can see how every member of the Senate voted on this urgent bill at the Washington Post (link gifted to get you past the paywall). Speaker Johnson finally turned the cranks, but President Biden gets another bipartisan win!
This week is full to overflowing with news from the judicial system. Now you can see the transcripts from the first two days of testimony in the New York State criminal election interference case, though using a page by page, undownloadable system. You can also learn about what the posting contains in New York Court System to Publish Daily Transcripts of Trump’s Trial.
The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has a particularly potent end-of-term calendar for oral arguments.
- On April 16, SCOTUS heard arguments in Fischer v. U.S., a case that seeks to prevent the government from bringing charges based on a law that prohibits a person from destroying documents and other forms of evidence or who "otherwise obstructs, influences, or impedes any official proceeding, or attempts to do so." A January 6 felon wants the court to rule that the statute on which his conviction partly rests applies only to destruction or alteration of evidence during an investigation or trial. Not to participating in a violent (but peaceful) attack (or protest) seeking to overturn the government. Audio of the oral argument is here.
- On April 22, SCOTUS heard arguments that will determine whether cities can, in effect, criminalize homelessness. At issue is whether sleeping outside on public property is illegal, even if the people sleeping outside have nowhere else to go. Audio of the oral argument is here.
- Today, the case was Moyle v. U.S. The question is whether the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act preempts the state law banning abortions in Idaho. Amy Howe's article on SCOTUSblog, Supreme Court divided over federal-state conflict on emergency abortion ban, analyzes the day's argument. Generally, national laws override state laws, in accord with the Constitution's Supremacy Clause. But with this results-driven court, the showdown between the federal and state governments may not be as clear cut as it should. After all, the court allowed the the Idaho abortion ban to be in effect while SCOTUS considers the matter. Audio of the oral argument is here.
- And tomorrow, SCOTUS will hear Benedict Donald's plea for "total immunity" from all prosecutions. Technically, the question at hand is "whether and if so to what extent does a former president enjoy presidential immunity from criminal prosecution for conduct alleged to involve official acts during his tenure in office." The crux of the matter may well be who decides what acts are "official." The oral arguments will be streamed live on the court's server or through the New York Times, the Washington Post, or your favorite cable news channel.
Finally, here's a recommended action item for the week: Wisconsin Environmental Justice aims to build a statewide coalition to increase understanding of the connection between fossil fuels and climate change. We are also seeking the state of Wisconsin and cities and counties across the state to begin litigation against the fossil fuel industry for the harm they have caused our planet. We would like you to visit our website, W4EJ.org, to learn more and sign our petition.
I also want to recommend Robert Kagan's clear-eyed and thoughtful look at the ideological traditions into which Trump supporters fit, titled We have a radical democracy. Will Trump voters destroy it? The article is quite long — an excerpt from his forthcoming book Rebellion: How Antiliberalism is Tearing America Apart — Again — but well worth the time you'll need to devote to it. A key assertion sets the tone for the bulk of the piece: "For a significant segment of the Republican electorate, the white-hot core of the Trump movement, [his supporters will vote for him] because they want to see the system overthrown. This should not come as a shock, for it is not a new phenomenon. On the contrary, it is as old as the republic."
EVENTS
Wednesday, April 24
Citizen Action of Wisconsin Healthcare for All, 7:00pm
Zoom
Join us for the largest Healthcare Activist meeting in the state. We will begin with a WIN! RSVP.
Thursday, April 25
A Moderated Conversation with Heather Cox Richardson, 4:30pm
In Madison, address upon RSVP
This fundraiser for the Biden-Harris campaign offers a chance to hear from Heather Cox Richardson, a professor of American history, the author of the renowned Substack "Letters from an American" (with 1.4 million followers) and a New York Times best-seller: Democracy Awakening. Donate and register.
Friday, April 26
SAVE MONEY, PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT, 10:00am - 12:00pm
5235 S. 27th St, Greenfield
This will be a fun opportunity to learn about federal benefits available to you and meet other conservation voters in your area. Lunch will be provided and registration is $15. In 2022, the federal government 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! Brought to you by the Milwaukee Muslim Women's Coalition and Wisconsin Conservation Voters, sign up.
LWVMKE, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Milwaukee Public Library East Branch Community Room, 2030 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.
Safer Spaces, Stronger Communities, 1:00 - 2:00pm
Online
Safer Spaces, Stronger Communities: Supporting Community Violence Intervention. This discussion, provided by WAVE, will feature Wisconsin’s top violence prevention advocates, including Reggie Moore (Director of Violence Prevention Policy and Engagement for the Medical College of Wisconsin Comprehensive Injury Center) and Anthony Cooper (CEO and founder of Focused Interruption). You'll hear what violence intervention work looks like on a daily basis, and have a chance to take action in support of these programs right away. Sign up.
Saturday, April 27
Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Capitol and Humboldt, Milwaukee
Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday.
Milwaukee Veterans For Peace Fundraiser, 7:00 - 9:00pm
Linneman's Riverwest Inn, 1001 E Locust St, Milwaukee
Folk musician Tom Neilson with a night of music, satire and social commentary. Benefit for Milwaukee Veterans For Peace. Suggested donation $20-30.
Wednesday, May 1
Changing Hearts and Minds on Reproductive Health and Rights, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Zoom
Join Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin staff and learn how to change hearts and minds with conversation, instead of debate. Attend our Milwaukee member-only event led by Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. This 2-hour, evidence- based workshop will give you confidence and skills to discuss this topic with relatives, friends and neighbors. Topics Covered: The State of Abortion Access | Fundamentals of How Humans Change | Changing Ourselves | Navigating Conflicted Feelings | Finding Common Ground. Sign up.
Saturday, May 4
Changing Hearts and Minds on Reproductive Health and Rights, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Summit Place, 6737 W Washington St, Milwaukee
Join Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin staff and learn how to change hearts and minds with conversation, instead of debate. Attend our Milwaukee member-only event led by Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. This 2-hour, evidence- based workshop will give you confidence and skills to discuss this topic with relatives, friends and neighbors. Topics Covered: The State of Abortion Access | Fundamentals of How Humans Change | Changing Ourselves | Navigating Conflicted Feelings | Finding Common Ground. Sign up.
Supermarket Legends General Meeting, 1:00 - 3:00pm
Washington Park Library, 2121 N Sherman Park Blvd, Milwaukee
We will strategize for turning out the vote this fall and discuss several opportunities to register voters.
5th CD Convention, 1:00pm
Waukesha Schuetze Rec Center, Riverview Room
1120 Baxter St, Waukesha
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin 5th Congressional District will hold its annual convention on Saturday, May 4th, 2024. Early bird pricing ($20) ends April 14th. After April 14th, registration will be $25. Registration opens at 1pm. The Convention convenes at 1:30pm. Star Wars attire is encouraged. Please RSVP by ordering your tickets. Questions? Please email [email protected] or call 414-491-4544.
Glendale Grassroots Party, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
6563 N Crestwood Dr, Glendale
Come celebrate a great election season, spend time with your community, and meet new people. In addition to food and drink and the wonderful company of your fellow Glendale activists, we will also add our signatures to nominate Tammy for the Senate ballot! Let us know you're coming! Sign up.
Tuesday, May 7
Deb Andraca's Birthday and Fundraiser Party, 5:00 - 7:00pm
Mequon Public Market, 2nd floor
6300 W Mequon Rd, Mequon
Help Deb celebrate her 50th birthday and help raise money for her re-election campaign! You can drop off your signatures, sign Deb's ballot petition, eat cake, and help Deb prepare for the campaign ahead. Campaign contributions and ballot signatures are the perfect birthday gifts. Join us for cake and some candidate camaraderie, we hope to see you there! Can't attend? All contributions gratefully accepted! If you prefer to donate via check, please mail a check to: Friends of Deb Andraca, 4230 N Oakland Ave., PMB#283, Milwaukee, WI 53211. Checks can be made out to "Friends of Deb Andraca." Sign up and DONATE!
Thursday, May 9
Cash for Communities: Leveraging Historic Federal Funds for Racial, Economic, and Climate Justice, 12:00pm CDT
Online
Imagine solar panels on every school, an electrified fleet of city vehicles, EV chargers that actually bring IN revenue, and climate resilience hubs in every neighborhood. Thanks to new Direct Pay tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act, projects like these could be possible at a fraction of the typical cost. And local governments, schools, and other tax-exempt entities who’ve built this type of project in 2023 could be eligible for cash NOW. Join the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center and the Local Progress Impact Lab to learn how local policymakers can lead the way and help communities seize this opportunity. Register.
Saturday, May 11
Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Howell and Layton, Milwaukee
Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday.
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday & Sunday, June 8-9
Democratic Party State Convention, 8:30am Saturday to 1:00pm Sunday
Potawatomi Hotel Casino
1721 W Canal St, Milwaukee
Links to Convention Information:
other important links
Become a Member of Grassroots North Shore |
Milwaukee County Democratic Party |
Ozaukee County Democratic Party |
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