I'm going to start the newsletter today with ACTION ITEMS as we gear up for the next set of elections.
- Grassroots North Shore is seeking volunteers for the following projects:
- write postcards during the period June 17-25 (in packs of 30) — email Norma Gilson and let her know how many packs of 30 cards, 30 names and addresses, and 30 stamps you can take;
- deliver flyers to designated houses in walkable neighborhoods during the period July 8-15 — email Norma Gilson for further instructions;
- make phone calls to strong Democratic women to remind them to vote beginning July 8 and ending on Election Day, August 13 — email Nancy Kaplan;
- join the roster of drivers to help make canvassing and delivering flyers a lot more efficient — email Nancy Kaplan;
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Sign the petition from the Women's March to let the Supreme Court know that #JUSTICECANTWAIT. I've already signed it. Ordinarily I don't sign online petitions but this one is an exception to my rule. If you use any social media, post a link to the petition page with the #JUSTICECANTWAIT tag!
- If you are interested in joining Team VoPro as a poll observer this year, fill out our poll observer interest form as soon as possible! Once you fill out the interest form, our team will reach out to answer any questions you might have and walk you through the next steps. Poll observers are the eyes and ears of our team on Election day and are a great resource for voters who might need help. If poll observing sounds like something you’d enjoy, fill out this form today!
- Please join the Milwaukee County Democratic Party as we walk in the 20th Annual Milwaukee Pride Parade on Sunday, June 9th. We are planning on having 1-2 vehicles for those who are unable to walk the length of the parade (approximately one mile). We will have special t-shirts for all those participating with our group. If anyone has a truck that we could use please contact [email protected] as soon as possible. Also, please let us know if you plan to join us so we can have enough shirts for everyone. The parade steps off at 2pm from Scott and 2nd Street (we go north on 2nd)-things get very full and busy so we highly recommend you try to get there at least by 1pm to find us and get organized. We will not find out what number we are in the parade until 4-5 days prior to the parade. As soon as we know we will send an email informing everyone so you will know how to find us. Our registered motor units enter at Lapham and 2nd. Anyone who has participated in the past can tell you what a fun time this is. There are generally about 15,000 spectators along the route cheering us. We will be decorated fully and include some political signage.
For those of us who live in state Senate District 4 — that's everyone in Shorewood and Glendale plus a piece of Milwaukee — there will be a special election for this open seat on July 30. If you're unsure about what Senate District you are in, visit the legislature's home page and use the tool there to find your representatives. Two current Assembly representatives — Dora Drake and LaKeshia Myers — have nomination papers circulating for the November 5 election. But they will presumably have to circulate an additional set of papers for the special election. Stay tuned as we learn more information about this extra election for some of us this year! (Yay!! More elections!!!)
The ballot for the partisan primary election on August 13 will have a number of contested races, depending on where you live. But we will ALL have two more ballot questions which, if passed, will amend the Wisconsin Constitution. The League of Women Voters explains that "these potential changes will impact both the delegation of appropriation power and the process for allocating federal money. These are large sweeping changes that will impact a wide range of issues voters care about, from education to the environment to how quickly the government can respond to emergencies (like a public health crisis or natural disaster)." Grassroots North Shore emphatically urges everyone to vote NO on both questions. Here's what we know so far: currently, by statute, the governor allocates supplemental federal funds so that the monies can be distributed quickly and without disputes between the legislature and the executive branch slowing down or even halting the process. See our webpage about these ballot questions. And then spread the word!
- Write, text, or call 10 family and friends wherever they live in Wisconsin.
- Explain to them how pernicious these sorts of legislative power-grabs are.
- And then ask them to pass the message along to 10 more people.
These ballot questions are statewide, so it is vital that we reach as many Wisconsinites as we can. Vote NO and then tell everyone you know to vote NO.
On the national scene, our best bet is to follow Simon Rosenberg's Hopium Chronicles for his clear-eyed assessment of the current horse race polls. I especially recommend yesterday's post — Alsobrooks Rocks It, Good Inflation Report, 2nd NYT Poll Has Biden Up 3 — and today's post — The 2024 Election is Close and Competitive - Neither Candidate Is Winning, But I Would Much Rather Be Us Than Them. In today's essay, the news about polling is pretty far down in the piece. So I'll give you the "nut graph," as the journalists call the meat of the matter: "12 national polls. Biden leads in 7, 4 are tied, Trump leads in 1. State polls by serious credible pollsters showing Biden in far better shape than the NYT polls" with Siena College. The NYT/Sienna poll spawned a large number of Times articles on Monday devoted to the idea that the Butternut Burlusconi is winning. I'm not including a link to any of them. Needless to say, it has been roundly criticized. The backlash from Joe Scarborough is definitely worth a gander.
Finally, my apologies for being a day late with the newsletter. I was hosting an event last night for two of our outstanding candidates for office: Jodi Habush Sinykin and Deb Andraca. At the moment it looks as if Deb Andraca will be unopposed on the November 5 ballot. Not so Jodi Habush Sinykin. Her opponent will be Duey Stroebel. We'll have a lot more to say about Stroebel in our election coverage. What's important to know, though, is that a win in Senate District 8 (where she is a candidate) is a must if Democrats are to have any hope of winning the majority in the Senate in 2026. Under our new fair maps, it will be possible at long last to be the majority party but because only half the Senate is elected every two years, the contest for SD 8 is a vital stepping stone. If you live in Assembly District 10, where Darrin Madison is the incumbent and will probably also run unopposed, consider volunteering with the Sinykin campaign. It's really important or I wouldn't ask!
EVENTS
Wednesday, May 15
Wisconsin Moms Demand Action Meeting, 7:00pm
Zoom
The Wisconsin chapter of Moms Demand Action is hosting a virtual statewide meeting and we hope you can join us. We're going to be discussing Wear Orange weekend which takes place on June 7-9. It is a time to honor survivors and build community with those working to end gun violence. RSVP.
Ozaukee Democrats Monthly Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00pm
1930 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 130, Grafton
Join us at our monthly general meeting, the 3rd Wed of each month at 7 pm at our Grafton Office. Get caught up on the latest local politics while helping us elect people to office. Thanks to Fair Maps, we have an opportunity to elect people to the 22, 23, and 59 Assembly Districts as well as the 8th and 20th Senate Districts. Zoom links for the meeting are sent to paid DPOC members.
Thursday, May 16
Washington Post Presents "The Stakes", 1:00pm CDT
Zoom
Robert Kagan, historian and editor at large at The Washington Post, has sounded the alarm about the fissures in American democracy and what he calls an “anti-liberal rebellion.” Kagan joins The Post’s Jonathan Capehart to discuss the stakes for the 2024 election, historical parallels to this moment in American politics and his new book, “Rebellion.” Register.
Friday, May 17
A Forum on White Christian Nationalism, 9:30am
Juneau Room, Knickerbocker Hotel
1928 E Juneau, Milwaukee
The League of Progressive Seniors presents Dr. Marilyn Miller, educator, minister, and consultant for ant-racist training; a past president of MICAH (Milwaukee Congregations Allied for Hope); and co-founder of LEADING FOR EQUITY that works with faith-based and other non-profit organizations to deepen understanding of systemic racism and equip the organization to analyze its structures and policies to lead for racial equality. To sign up, email Tom Callan.
Grafton & Cedarburg Volunteer Meetup at Art of Joy! 7:00 - 9:00pm
Art of Joy, W63N664 Washington Ave, Cedarburg
Join Grafton and Cedarburg volunteers for a fun event in the Art of Joy cabana in Cedarburg on May 17th! We’ll hang out to talk about upcoming volunteer opportunities, what we’ll be focusing on in the next few months, and to get to know one another – especially new volunteers! Sign up.
Saturday, May 18
Shorewood Canvass with WisDems, 9:00am - 12:00pm
4516 N Newhall St, Shorewood
Come join us to recruit strong democrats who are passionate and looking for ways to get involved in this election. Some weekends, we will reach out to voters who are in the middle and currently undecided. RSVP.
Glendale Canvass with WisDems, 9:00am - 12:pm & 12:00 - 3:00pm
6563 N Crestwood Dr, Glendale
Come help us recruit new volunteers! Every person counts and we win the election by getting out early to build our network of supporters. We will also engage undecided voters to help persuade them. We need you! Sign up here.
Shorewood Canvass with WisDems, 12:00 - 3:00pm
4516 N Newhall St, Shorewood
Join to recruit strong democrats and help persuade undecided voters! Help us win this crucial election. RSVP.
Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Capitol and Teutonia, Milwaukee
Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday.
Sunday, May 19
GRNS Annual Meeting: The New Maps: What’s in it for you, 4:30 -6:00pm
Plymouth Church UCC, 2717 E Hampshire St, Milwaukee
This November, for the first time in over a decade, we can begin to take back the legislature with four seats within reach. Find out where and how we can flip those districts, and how you can help! RSVP.
Thursday, May 23
League of Women Voters of Milwaukee Annual Meeting, 5:00 - 10:00pm
Alioto's, 3401 N Mayfair Rd, Wauwatosa
At our Annual meeting, Active Members will elect the new Board of Directors for 2024/2025, discuss important topics and approve any bylaw changes. There is an optional social gathering before the Business Meeting: a showing of the film, "Dangerous Women: Women of the West," (33 min), a dinner ($35 per person with a choice of entree and cash bar) and a silent auction. Guests are welcome. When registering for this event, unclick the dinner option if you only wish to attend the Business Meeting. The dinner cost can be paid in advance with a credit card or you can choose "Pay Later," and send in a personal check. Rather than bringing a personal check to the event, kindly send personal checks in advance. The deadline to pay by card or check is Friday, May 17. If you would like to attend the Annual Meeting dinner, but the registration fee presents a hardship, please do not hesitate to contact Nancy Maloney at [email protected]. Members can log in to register.
Saturday, May 25
Oz Dems Serve A Meal - Ozaukee Food Alliance, 10:30am - 2:00pm
Ozaukee Food Alliance, 100 E. Green Bay Avenue, Saukville
oin our community outreach as we serve a brat fry meal at Ozaukee Food Alliance. We’ll prep, serve, and provide a meal for community members. Interested? Email [email protected] or [email protected]. See you there!
Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Lincoln Memorial and La Fayette Hill, Milwaukee
Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday.
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, June 1
Neighborhood Canvasses, 9:00am - 12:00pm & 12:00 - 3:00pm
Mequon, North Shore Country Club, Mequon
Shorewood, 9:00am - 12:00 & 12:00 - 3:00pm. 4516 N Newhall St, Shorewood
Sunday, June 2
Lakefront Canvass, 9:00am - 12:00pm & 12:00 - 3:00pm
3271 N Newhall St, Milwaukee
Come help us recruit new volunteers! Every person counts and we win the election by getting out early to build our network of supporters. We will also engage undecided voters to help persuade them. We need you! 2 hours can make the difference in this election. Sign up.
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:
Sunday, June 9
Lakefront Canvass, 9:00am - 12:00pm & 12:00 - 3:00pm
3271 N Newhall St, Milwaukee
Come help us recruit new volunteers! Every person counts and we win the election by getting out early to build our network of supporters. We will also engage undecided voters to help persuade them. We need you! 2 hours can make the difference in this election. Sign up.
Thursday, June 20
WAVE presents author Dominic Erdozain, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Zoom
Join WAVE for a discussion with author Dominic Erdozain about his new book, One Nation Under Guns. Erdozain is a writer and historian with a passion for bringing the past into dialogue with the present. He's written widely on the intellectual origins of democracy and has published opinion pieces for CNN, placing America’s gun problem in a broader philosophical context. A graduate of Oxford and Cambridge, he is currently a visiting professor at Emory University. Whether your passion for gun violence prevention is new, or you’ve been advocating for decades, this discussion promises to be enlightening for all. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with one of the foremost authorities on America's relationship with firearms. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and join us for an unforgettable hour of conversation. Register now. A link to the Zoom will be emailed to you on the day of the program.
