It's your turn to act

Let's begin with where we are and what YOU need to do. We've done postcards and we're finishing up our phone calls to postcard recipients. Those are team efforts involving hundreds of volunteers. Now in these last 12 days of campaigning, we are deploying a different, more individual strategy that doesn't involve communicating with people you don't know.

Do relational voter outreach: it's effective and efficient!

Talk to and/or email at least 5 like-minded family, friends, and colleagues to make sure they understand how important it is that they vote in the April 1 election. Here are two "cheat sheets" (aka talking points) to quickly get them — and yourself — up to speed on the issues both for the Supreme Court race and for the race to elect a Superintendent of Public Schools.

Crawford v Schimel (aka Schlemiel) and Underly v Kinser talking points. There are pertinent quotations from Schimel with a document you can access to verify relevant sources for these claims if you're so inclined.
A piece about Judge Susan Crawford with a page of suggestions for holding a conversation.

Ask your contacts also to contact at least 5 family, friends, and colleagues to spread the word. And provide them with the links to the documents or download them so you can attach them to emails.

A different way to accomplish the work of contacting people you know and who will trust your judgment is to use the application REACH. This app allows you to use your contact list, choose the people you want to connect with, and send them a text message about the election. You can acquire the app and get training on how to use it on Thursday, March 20, and again on Thursday, March 27, from 6:00 - 7:30pm. The training is being held at 8405 W Lisbon Ave. Sign up for a session.

Early in-person voting is happening right now and runs weekdays until March 28. Most communities vote early at their village or city hall. In Milwaukee there are 10 early voting locations and residents can use any one of them to vote. If in doubt, you can find your early voting location, a sample ballot, and your Election Day polling place at MyVote.WI.gov.

The election on April 1 is the LAST ONE WE WILL HAVE IN WISCONSIN IN 2025! Hurrah!! But Grassroots North Shore isn't just a body of volunteers enmeshed in election work. We're having an important program on Sunday, April 6, on "What's Next for the State and the Nation." We're gathering at 3:30 at Plymouth Church (2717 E Hampshire Blvd, Milwaukee) with the program beginning at 4:00pm. In addition to hearing from our dynamic team in Madison — Greta Neubauer, Democratic Leader of the Assembly; Deb Andraca, representing the 23rd Assembly District; and Jodi Habush Sinykin, the newly elected Senator for the 8th Senate District — our featured speaker is Jim Santelle, an expert on constitutional law. He has served as the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin under President Obama and he has also served under Attorneys General Janet Reno and Eric Holder. Currently he is the host of Amicus: A Law Review on Civic Media. Please join us. RSVP so we will know to expect you!

The most important thing happening in the state right now is the Joint Finance Committee listening sessions on Governor Evers's proposed budget. Senator Jodi Habush Sinykin and Representative Deb Andraca held their own listening session last Saturday at the Whitefish Bay Library. Obviously, it's too late to attend it, but here are the PowerPoint materials they used to help explain what's in the budget and what the process for passing a new budget is. The Joint Finance Committee is required by law to hold four official sessions around the state and allow for public input at those sessions. They will be held as follows:

April 2 in Kaukauna at the Kaukauna High School Auxiliary Gymnasium (Door AA4),
April 4 in West Allis at the Wisconsin State Fair Exposition Center,
April 28 in Hayward at the Hayward High School Auditorium, and
April 29 in Wausau at the Northcentral Technical College Center for Health Sciences.

In addition to attending a live session, you can submit a comment online.

In yesterday's The Contrarian, Jennifer Rubin focuses on Words and Phrases We Could Do Without. Among the words she covers are "war" when it is used "outside of battlefield combat." She writes, "If every issue (e.g., crime, border security, drug addiction) can be elevated to the status of “war,” it enables power-seeking politicians and their minions to throw the term around like rice at a wedding, in an attempt to justify extraordinary powers and abuses." And so it is that the president has tried to use "the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, a wartime statute, to summarily deport individuals without due process and without access to the courts." A federal court quickly issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to block the deportation of hundreds of Venezuelans but the deportations continued! Are we in a constitutional crisis yet?

Last night, Chris Hayes held a lengthy interview with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in which Senator Schumer appeared to hold the view that the crisis is not yet upon us. Like Chris Hayes, I was taken aback. Stunned in fact. You can watch a key part of the segment. In today's The Contrarian, Jen Rubin takes this question on: The Constitutional Crisis May be Upon Us.

Democrats in Congress have no power and very few tools at their disposal to disrupt what is happening to our government, to the rule of law, and to our country. So it is up to us. Indivisible and allied groups have called for a nationwide mobilization — HANDS OFF — on Saturday, April 5. It's currently in the planning stages here, but please mark your calendars and plan to participate! If you are in or going to be near Washington, D.C., the mobilization will take place from 12 - 3:30pm EDT at the Washington Monument (2 15th St NW, Washington, D.C.). Here's what the organization says about the event:

Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them.

They're taking everything they can get their hands on—our health care, our data, our jobs, our services—and daring the world to stop them. This is a crisis, and the time to act is now.

Finally, I'd like to leave you with Michael Podhorzer's short but insightful and sobering view of American history: America's Second "Redemption". It's an important piece and hope you will read it if only to have a clear-eyed view of what it will take to make the arc of the universe bend toward justice again.

TAKE ACTION

As always, knock doors and talk to people. It's time to Get Out the (Early) Vote:

Get Out the Early Vote in Shorewood! Saturday, March 22
Get Out the Early Vote in Whitefish Bay! Sunday, March 23
Get Out the Early Vote in Glendale! March 22 & 23
Get Out the Early Vote in Fox Point and Bayside! March 22 & 23
Get Out the Early Vote in Northwest MKE and Brown Deer! March 22 & 23
Get Out the Early Vote in Mequon! March 22 & 23
Get Out the Early Vote in Germantown! March 22 & 23
Get Out the Early Vote in Menomonee Falls! March 22 & 23

Dial (844) 402-1001 to call your senator and tell them to stop the illegal takeover of the public Postal Service!

Statement from APWU (American Postal Workers Union): The Washington Post has reported that the Trump Administration will soon issue an Executive Order firing the Postal Board of Governors, and placing the United States Postal Service under the control of the Commerce Department. If this reporting is true, it would be an outrageous, unlawful attack on a storied national treasure, enshrined in the Constitution and created by Congress to serve every American home and business equally.

Any attack on the Postal Service would be part of the billionaire oligarch coup, directed not just at the postal workers our union represents, but the millions of Americans who rely on the critical public service our members provide every single day. The public Postal Service is the low-cost anchor of a $1.2 trillion mail and shipping industry, which supports more than 7 million jobs in communities across the country.

Efforts to privatize the Postal Service, in whole or in part, or to strip it of its independence or public service mission, would be of no benefit to the American people. Instead, it would drive up postage rates and lead to reduced service, especially to rural America.

The Postal Service is owned by the people, for the benefit of the people. Postal workers are dedicated to our mission to serve, no matter who sits in the White House or in Congress. Postal workers and our unions will join with the public to fight for the vibrant, independent, and public Postal Service we all deserve.

Dial (844) 402-1001 to call your senator and tell them to stop the illegal takeover of the public Postal Service!

Make FOIA requests: Representative Jamie Raskin offers a citizen's protest action, urging everyone to file a Freedom of Information (FOIA) request to the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): "Today I filed a formal demand for access to my personal data obtained by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Elon Musk. I encourage all U.S. citizens to join me in doing the same.

"Elon Musk should have been more careful in what he wished for. DOGE recently dodged lawsuits about its seizure of citizens’ personal data by telling courts that it is a legitimate government agency entitled to extract this information. What Elon Musk apparently did not realize is that this statement triggers DOGE’s obligation to comply with citizen demands to see and—if need be—correct their personal information under the Privacy Act. It also allows every citizen to find out what other agencies or outside parties have been made privy to our information" (Daily Kos, March 11, 2025). Download the document as a pdf or as a Microsoft Word document and mail it to U.S. Department of Government Efficiency 736 Jackson Place, NW Washington, D.C. 20503 United States Digital Service 736 Jackson Place, NW Washington, D.C. 20503

EVENTS

Wednesday, March 19

Milwaukee Voter Project, all day
Area DMVs
Inform voters about early voting times and locations: 4 shifts at each location, each weekday: (8:30-10:30, 10:30-12:30, 12:30-2:30, 2:30-4:30). You can register for all of the above events by going to our website.

Oz Dems General Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00pm
1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton
Join fellow Democrats as we connect about the upcoming spring election for the State Supreme Court, local, and county elections throughout Ozaukee.

Write Letters to Wisconsin Voters, 7:00 - 8:00pm CT
Virtual
Join Vote Forward, co-hosts Stand Up America, and Indivisible, and volunteers across the country to write letters to voters in Wisconsin! In the next few years, Wisconsin’s Supreme Court will rule on multiple issues that have profound implications for the people of Wisconsin, including whether the state’s constitution establishes a right to abortion. In recent years the Court has also ruled on multiple cases that impact voting rights and access, including early voting, voter ID, ballot drop boxes, and gerrymandered maps.

The consequences of this year’s election aren’t limited to just one state. Wisconsin is a critical swing state in national elections, so what happens here in 2025 could impact control of the U.S. House in 2026 and even the presidency in 2028. To quote our colleagues at Swing Left “Maintaining or winning control of key state courts like Wisconsin is necessary to the larger, existential fight to preserve our democratic institutions.” Sign up.

Thursday, March 20

Milwaukee Voter Project, 9:00 - 11:00am CT
Betty Brinn Museum Center Parking Garage (1159)
910 E Michigan St, Milwaukee
There are also shifts 11-1 and 1-3. You can register for all of the above events by going to our website.

Disinfo 101: How to Identify and Fight It, 6:00 - 7:30pm
Virtual
Distinguishing real news from fake can be challenging today with bots spreading disinfo far and wide, deep fakes on our feeds and the amplification of bad information by influencers . We all see the impact that disinformation has on politics in our country. Are you ready to take a stand and fight back against it? Join us to learn what exactly is disinformation, how to recognize it and what we can do to fight its spread. See you there! Sign up. Brought to you by Red Wine & Blue.

Friday, March 21

League of Progressive Seniors, 9:30 - 11:00am

WHAT IS THE AGENDA?

Chris Larson - Overview of the Wiscosin political situation.
Review of campaign work options at the meeting:
- Use your phone for follow up calls to people who have received postcards about the election. We have the lists of names and phone numbers.
- Bring your own list and send text messages to family, friends and co-workers.
Choose your activity and get to work. We will provide refreshments.

It's more fun with friends and food. If you can attend please email [email protected].

Saturday, March 22

North Shore Dems REACH GOTV, 12:00 - 3:00pm
Virtual
Join the North Shore Dems as we get out the vote for Susan Crawford and progressives up and down the ballot in the crucial April! Unable to canvass or not up for braving the bitter cold? No problem! Friend-to-friend organizing is a powerful tool to turn out your circle this Spring. Our experienced volunteer leaders will train you on the Reach app, so you can organize your network to help us win in April! Sign up.

4th Congressional District Convention, 12:00 - 3:00pm
McGovern Senior Center, 4500 W Custer Ave, Milwaukee
It’s almost time for our 4th Congressional District Convention! I’m looking forward to seeing you all and am anticipating another successful event. Be on the lookout for the official Call to Convention, which will be sent out soon. If you need to renew your membership, please do so via the following link: Renew your membership here.

Sunday, March 23

Working Families Party Spring Canvass10:45am - 1:00pm & 1:00 - 3:30pm
413 N 2nd St, Suite 125, Milwaukee
Help us talk to Democratic and persuadable voters about Judge Susan Crawford and get out the vote for the April 1 election. We will provide training and everything you need to be successful. You will receive more information when you sign up. Thank you!

Democratic Party of Milwaukee County's Annual Gala "Forward Together," 5:30 - 8:30pm
Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago Street, Milwaukee
Please join us this spring for the Milwaukee County Dems Annual Gala: Forward Together! RSVP. Please RSVP names and dietary needs by March 5th to [email protected].

Monday, March 24

Senator Tammy Baldwin Virtual Town Hall, 1:00 - 2:00pm
Zoom
Senator Baldwin will host a virtual town hall for Southeastern Wisconsin constituents on Monday, March 24th at 1:00pm CT. During the virtual town hall, Senator Baldwin will provide an update on her work to deliver for Southeastern Wisconsin and answer YOUR questions! Senator Baldwin will be joined by Nikki Purvis, President & CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin, who will moderate the event. We look forward to your participation! Register.

Meet and Greet Jodi Habush Sinykin, 5:30 - 6:30pm
Cedarburg
Hosted by Philia and Paul Hayes, Gil Janssen and Dan Carr. In these uncertain times, hear from Jodi about what is happening in the legislature and how we can keep moving Wisconsin forward. RSVP to [email protected].

JDCA Phone Bank for Susan Crawford, 5:30 - 7:30pm
Virtual
Join JDCA and the WisDems in partnership with GDHQ in making calls in support of Susan Crawford to voters across Wisconsin! We’ll be making calls to talk to voters about what issues are important to them and the importance of electing Susan Crawford to the Wisconsin Supreme Court Race in the upcoming April election. Never made calls before? No problem. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or making calls for the first time, all you need is your computer and a phone. A short training will be provided at the beginning of the phone bank and volunteers can stay on the Zoom in case you need help while we make calls. Sign up.

Tuesday, March 25

Sen. Chris Larson Fundraiser, 5:00 - 6:30pm
1846 W Bruce St, Milwaukee
Join State Senator Chris Larson and Representative Darrin Madison for a discussion of how to amplify Progressive candidates and issues throughout the state. Donate to be a Host for $500 | Sponsor $250 | Friend $100 |Supporter $50. Donate and Sign Up.

Wednesday, March 26

Vel Phillips Forum: Immigration, Refugees and Our Neighbors, 6:00 - 7:30pm
Turner Hall Ballroom, 1040 N Vel R Phillips Ave, Milwaukee
Join Alexandra Guevara (Voces de la Frontera), Vina Xiong (Hmong American Women’s Association), Deisy España (Comité sin Fronteras), and Attorney Cain Oulahan (Oulahan Immigration Law, SC) as we take a deep dive into current events, solutions, and what you can do to defend democracy. Moderated by Emilio De Torre. Light dinner will be provided. Virtual attendance options are available. Register to attend in-person or remotely.

Banned Book Club: Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Virtual
Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy is a New York Times Bestseller that tells four stories about women who played unconventional roles in the U.S. Civil War. Since it was published in 2015, it has been banned in several school districts, most notably in Frisco, TX, due to sexual content. Join us – and author Abbott Kahler (formerly Karen Abbott) – to discuss the book! Sign up.

Thursday, March 27

Women's March: Join the Feminist Cyberforce, 7:00 - 8:00pm
Virtual
We exist in a technological ecosystem where billionaires control the flow of information. Two of the most widely used social media platforms are owned by billionaires—President Musk and Disinfo Daddy Zuckerberg—who have enabled disinformation and digital manipulation that fuels rising authoritarianism. They’ve rigged the algorithmic game in their favor, but we’re here to expose their playbook.

Join Dr. Heather Woods and Dr. Leslie Hahner for a deep dive into the mechanics of digital power. We’ll unpack how platforms and algorithms operate, who controls them, and what we can do to outsmart the system and strengthen our resistance online.

💡 What you'll learn:
          ✅ How social media algorithms amplify or suppress content
          ✅ Who profits from disinformation and digital manipulation
          ✅ How billionaire-controlled platforms are shaping our political landscape
          ✅ How to navigate and disrupt algorithmic bias to make our resistance louder
Register.

Saturday, March 29

Judge Crawford Kicks Off Canvass, 9:00 - 10:00am
336 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha
Come meet with Judge Susan Crawford at the Waukesha Dems Office on Saturday, March 29th ahead of our 9am canvass launch! The Spring Election on April 1, 2025 will determine the direction of the Wisconsin Supreme Court for years. We know turnout will be critical to winning this race. At this event you will hear from Judge Crawford and learn how to get involved in helping win this Spring. RSVP.

Coffee, Tea & Democracy, 10:00am - 1:00pm
1930 Wisconsin Avenue, Grafton
Stop by the Dem office on the last Saturday of every month from 10:00am - 1:00pm for this new event!
Q: What is it?
A: A fun and safe space where ideas will percolate and tea is spilt.
We provide refreshments. You bring yourself, and a friend. See you there!

Join Judge Susan Crawford to Protect Reproductive Freedom, 12:00pm
8405 W Lisbon Ave, Milwaukee
Join Working Families Power, SEIU Wisconsin, Women's March, and the Committee to Protect Health Care for a reproductive freedom rally with Judge Susan Crawford! The freedom to make decisions about our own bodies is on the ballot – we need a state Supreme Court justice who will protect our reproductive rights and freedom. RSVP.

Monday, March 31

Tuesday, April 1

ELECTION DAY, 5:30 - 7:00am - 8:00pm
Your Polling Place
Will Wisconsin pass the test? Elon Musk and his billionaire bros think they can buy a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Make sure they flunk out. Go vote. You can find out where your polling place is at MyVote.WI.gov.

Save the Date

Sunday, April 6

What's Next for the State and for the Nation? 3:30 doors open; 4:00 - 5:30pm program
Plymouth Church, 2712 E Hampshire Ave, Milwaukee
The Grassroots North Shore Annual Meeting offers a wonderful slate of speakers. In addition to hearing from our dynamic team in Madison — Greta Neubauer, Democratic Leader of the Assembly; Deb Andraca, representing the 23rd Assembly District; and Jodi Habush Sinykin, the newly elected Senator for the 8th Senate District — our featured speaker is Jim Santelle, an expert on constitutional law. He has served as the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin under President Obama and he has also served under Attorneys General Janet Reno and Eric Holder. Currently he is the host of Amicus: A Law Review on Civic Media. The program will address two key questions: