What A GLORIOUS VICTORY we had yesterday! Both Judge Crawford and Dr. Underly won their races by 10% and 6% respectively. It wasn't even close in either race. And it is due in large part to the energy and dedication of all those who
- wrote thousands of postcards;
- made thousands of calls;
- sent thousands of texts and left thousands of voicemails;
- handed out hundreds of leaflets at MIAD and UWM;
- wrote emails, texted and talked to friends, family members, even strangers on the street!
Grassroots North Shore did its share of the work and reaps its just reward! A huge THANK YOU to everyone who took up the challenge to DO SOMETHING.
I have not yet had enough time and energy to compile the data from all the areas we touched — Assembly District 10 and Senate District 8 were our primary targets — but I should have something to say about vote totals and trends by next week's newsletter. In the meantime, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has provided a county-by-county map showing which counties Crawford won. The map lets you explore the totals and percents for each county.
Of immediate interest is the way vote totals shifted from red to blue EVERYWHERE in the state compared to the 2024 presidential vote totals, as you can see in this small map created by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
If you like you can download a much larger version.
The New York Times uses a version of the same map and also shows the blue shift county-by county. In Milwaukee, the shift was 11 points and in Dane, 12 points. Much less expected are the results in the WOW counties: Waukesha by 4.4 points; Ozaukee by 7.2 points; and Washington by 3.8 points. These are precisely the areas where Democrats have been chipping away at the GOP margins for several election cycles now.
The Director of election analytics at the NYTimes thinks that "turnout in this year’s spring election could be more than 2.4 million. That’s extraordinarily high for an off-year election — nearly 40 percent higher than the 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court election, and just a few hundred thousand voters short of the number that might show up for a midterm election." Mobilizing voters wins elections. Period.
If you read stories in the national press about the outcome of this race (see this gifted article from the New York Times, for example), the article will of course mention the huge amount of money spent in the election. But they are less likely to differentiate between the mega bucks of MAGA donors and the much smaller bucks from billionaires aligned with democratic values. The Journal Sentinel did produce a bar graph that shows just how lopsided the donations to the two candidates were but I could only find it in a Daily Kos article that took it from X (Twitter). Here it is: 
You can download the full size image here.
It's crystal clear that, compared to Crawford, Schimel raised buckets from billionaires. Yet Daniel Bice wrote at least two stories with a critical stance on Crawford's backing from Democratic-leaning donors:
- Bice: Susan Crawford says Elon Musk's spending is bad but George Soros' donation is just fine (February 26, 2025)
- Bice: George Soros and Wisconsin GOP billionaires dump big donations in Supreme Court race (February 11, 2025)
Later in the race (March 25, 2025), Bice recognizes the out-sized role Musk's money is playing, but he never produces the totals that starkly reveal the imbalance. So based on the amounts in his article, I have done it for him. Musk and his PACs contributed $35.6 million and other deep-pocketed GOP donors gave $7.4 million for a grand total of $43 million. During the same period, the Crawford campaign had donations from billionaires totaling just $5.24 million. And there you have it. Wisconsin's supreme court could not be purchased, even for $43 million.
It might feel like the really important political action in Wisconsin is over for now. But that feeling would be dead wrong. The stomping Judge Susan Crawford delivered last night is in fact just the beginning of what will be a long road to defeating the oligarchy that has captured our federal government, allowing Donald Trump to become the authoritarian leader he has longed to be. Rest assured, there will be state battles, chiefly centered for now on the budget for the coming biennium.
For now, though, we need to show the power of resistance through physical action. Cory Booker and his 25-hour-long speech on the Senate floor Monday and Tuesday displayed one striking form of physical resistance — so BRAVO Senator Booker. Few of us have such an august platform, though. Thus we will need to come together in a mighty coalition and take up peaceful protests to show our power.
TAKE ACTION
We need EVERYONE to show up on Saturday, April 5, at the Milwaukee Federal Building and Courthouse at 517 E Wisconsin Ave by noon! I can't stress the importance of this enough. But a more authoritative voice than mine explains why. Here's Ezra Levin, cofounder of Indivisible:
Why come out on April 5 at all? Why is this important? Simple: Because it will be easier to come out on April 5 than it will on May 5 or June 5 or July 5. Because if Trump and Musk continue going down the path they’re on, we all know a crackdown on peaceful protest is coming. And when that crackdown comes, protest needs to be in the air. It needs to be the most normal thing in the world for millions of everyday people to spend their Saturday marching for democracy. When the crackdown comes, it needs to be alien, inexcusable, indefensible, and untenable for the authoritarian government to run roughshod over the people.
We protest on April 5 to tell them hands off today. And we protest on April 5 so it is safe to tell them hands off tomorrow.
There was a time in my life when I would hop a plane or drive to D.C. to participate in this protest at the heart of government. Those days are, alas, behind me. Nevertheless, I will be at the rally in Milwaukee, with my walker and all. Rain, snow or shine. I hope I see all of you there too. Bring friends, neighbors, kids, grandkids along too. And SIGN UP to register our strength in numbers.
OPPOSE the SAVE Act (H.R. 22/S. 128): call your Representative and your Senators this week!
The SAVE Act is another deceptively named bill that would disenfranchise millions of voters. Here's part of the letter the Brennan Center for Justice President Michael Waldman sent to Congress on March 31, 2025.
The SAVE Act was scheduled for a vote perhaps as early as today. But because Speaker Johnson pulled a hissy fit over a failed bill and cancelled all legislative action in the House for this week, we have a bit more time.
For an easy way to find the correct representatives and senators and to make the calls, visit 5 Calls and scroll through the list of topics. Then click on the phone receiver icon (something of an anachronism these days). Once you get the name and contact number of your representative, you will find a sample script near the bottom of the screen together with buttons to register the result of the call: unavailable, voicemail, contact or skip. Make sure to make the calls this week!
In addition to the SAVE Act, 5 Calls offers a range of other topics. You can bookmark the site so that when other issues you care deeply about come up, you can use the tool to connect and to craft your message.
EVENTS
Wednesday, April 3
How to Fight for the Department of Education, 2:00 - 3:00pm
Zoom
We hear about the Department of Education all the time — but do we really understand all that it does? The Trump Administration wants to eliminate it – this isn’t a hypothetical situation! It’s a serious threat to the future of education in our country and the power to stop it starts with us. Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Sharon McMahon — America’s favorite government teacher and the voice behind @SharonSaysSo — as she breaks down what the Department of Education really does, why it matters to every student, parent, and community, and what’s at stake if it’s shut down. We will also hear from fired federal workers who will share an insider’s perspective on why the department and their work was vital for our schools. Let’s come together, get informed, and take action. Our schools, our kids, and our communities are counting on us. See you there! Sign up.
MICAH: Madison Day of Action Orientation, 6:00 - 7:00pm
Zoom
Madison Action Day is coming up soon, and we want to make sure you’re prepared to make the most of this important event! Join us for a special Orientation Session where we’ll cover everything you need to know, including event logistics, what to expect on the big day, and how to effectively share your story to make an impact.
- Get all the details for the day
- Learn WISDOM's 4 Legislative Priorities and how to talk about them
- Meet the WISDOM faith-driven Activists you'll be spending the day with
Saturday, April 5
HANDS OFF! SE Wisconsin Fights Back, 12:00 - 3:00pm
Milwaukee Federal Building, 517 E Wisconsin Ave
This mass mobilization day is our message to the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government and our economy for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies. Alongside Americans across the country, we are marching, rallying, and protesting to demand a stop the chaos and build an opposition movement against the looting of our country.
A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values. We must be respectful, not be in the street, and not block access to the front doors. Check out Hands Off 2025 for more information. And sign up to attend the rally in Milwaukee.
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 https://civicmedia.us/shows/amicus">Amicus: A Law Review on Civic Media. The program will address two key questions:
- What's Next for the State and for the Nation?
- How Do We Harness Our Citizen Power?
Please join us. RSVP so we will know to expect you!
Thursday, April 10
Madison Action Day, 9:00am onwards
Madison Masonic Center, 301 W. Wisconsin Ave. Madison
MICAH is excited to invite you to Madison Action Day 2025 — a dynamic day of advocacy, learning, and action in the heart of Wisconsin's capital! This event is a unique opportunity to engage directly with policymakers, connect with a community of passionate changemakers, and advocate for policies that matter most to you. Here's what you can expect:
- Hear from inspiring speakers and community leaders
- Engage directly with Wisconsin lawmakers
- Meet and socialize with like minded individuals
Saturday, April 12
Milwaukee Veterans for Peace, 7:00 - 8:30pm
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 $15.
Sunday, April 13
Gwen Moore's Annual Milwaukee Birthday Celebration, 5:00 - 6:00pm
Ivy House, 906 D Barclay St, Milwaukee
Please join Rep. Gwen Moore and Friends for Gwen's Annual Milwaukee Birthday Celebration. Guest Levels of Support: $100 Guest Contribution ($150 for Couples ). Join the Host Committee: $250 Supporter | $500 Sponsor | $1000 Host | $2500 Chair. Register
Tuesday, April 15
LWVMC Lunch and Learn, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Zoom
With MICAH's Health Equity Organizer Diannia Merriett-Alabi. Diannia has worked in education for over 20 years. Her teaching philosophy has always been that kids learn best when they feel welcomed, valued, and safe. Diannia Merriett-Alabi was born and raised in Milwaukee. She is the proud parent of one daughter and one granddaughter. Diannia has been very active in amplifying the voice of marginalized people. In college she was the president of the Black student union. Diannia works to challenge and dismantle racism, and other forms of injustice in Milwaukee County and beyond in its community systems. She is the founder of “People Advocating Greendale Equity.” The Zoom link takes you to the meeting! Meeting ID: 898 7075 0195. Passcode: 110973.
Wednesday, April 16
Oz Dems April 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.
Postcards to Swing States, 7:00 - 8:00pm
Zoom
Join us to hear about our exciting new postcard programs for 2025 and 2026. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- 2025 Postcard Campaigns: Sign-ups open May 1 for our postcards targeting key elections this November in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
- “News Boosting” in Virginia: We’ll test a new strategy—postcards highlighting real news headlines—to measure its impact on persuasion and turnout.
- Looking Ahead to 2026 & 2028: Get the latest data-driven insights on how postcards fit into the bigger picture of winning back Democratic power.
RSVP.
Thursday, April 17
Waukesha Dems April Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00pm
200 Richard St, Waukesha
Join us for our April Monthly Meeting! More details to follow.
Save the Date
Monday, April 28
WAVE Discussion: Gun Violence 101, 6:00 - 7:00pm
Zoom
WAVE is hosting a special Virtual Action Team event featuring a conversation with the author, Thomas Gabor, and illustrator, Violet Lemay. They’ll discuss the biggest gun lobby myths, the truth behind them, and how we can be more effective advocates for preventing gun tragedies. Sign up link tbd.
Wednesday, May 7
Banned Book Club: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, 6:30 - 9:00pm CDT
Online
Braiding Sweetgrass is the amazing nonfiction book by botanist, author, and citizen of the Potawatomi Nation, Robin Wall Kimmerer. In this book, she explores and celebrates our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. Braiding Sweetgrass touches on issues relating to colonialism, environmentalism, and climate change. Sponsored by Red Wine & Blue. Sign up.
Saturday, May 10
Grassroots Festival We Are the Guardrails Now!, 9:00 - 5:00pm
McFarland High School, 5103 Farwell St, McFarland
It's up to us to rescue our democracy - together. No one can do it alone. This Festival brings us together to network, to learn, and to support one another. WGN needs you to make it happen. Let us know that you want to help by clicking on the Volunteer button below. It takes you to our website Contact page where you can share your contact information as well as your ideas. We'll feature several exciting keynote speakers, 16 breakout sessions on issues that matter, concessions, lunch, and entertainment. But, we can't do it without you. Join us. BE A GUARDRAIL!
Tuesday, May 20
WAVE Day of Action to Prevent Gun Violence, 6:00 - 7:00pm
Madison
Join WAVE Educational Fund, the Wisconsin Gun Violence Prevention Coalition, and advocates from across the state in Madison as we speak up for lifesaving gun laws. The morning will feature training on how to talk effectively with your legislators about policies that save lives. In the afternoon, you can speak with your elected officials. If you’d rather not speak, you can show up to support others - every person counts! Lunch is included – along with time to build community with others who are dedicated to creating a safer, more just Wisconsin. Sign up.
other important links
Become a Member of Grassroots North Shore 
|
Milwaukee County Democratic Party |
| Ozaukee County Democratic Party | |
Showing 1 reaction