This is another updated version of a diary I posted before. Last two times I focused on this I got a few contributions to the Wisconsin effort. Let's see if I can get some more. I want to see us seize this opportunity in Wisconsin enthusiastically and emerge from the fight stronger than ever. This is a real chance for union Democrats, liberal Democrats and progressive Democrats (all overlapping categories that too often get divided and conquered by the Republicans) to pull together and pull off some real wins over the right-wing extremism of the Teabagger Republicans. We need to focus on every race, defense and offense, and win as many of these recall races as we can. I should note that an excellent diary by MattFromVermont highlights that NONE of these races is a cake walk and we need to fight hard for each and every one of them.
Now is the CRITICAL time for pro-union progressives to retake Wisconsin and stand up to the right wing extremist anti-working class agenda. I have created an Act Blue Page that focuses on the State Senate and Assembly seats we need to take to stop the teabaggers from further hurting our unions and our nation.
I recommend donations in $14 increments in honor of the 14 Democratic State Senators who tried everything to stand up to Walker's attack on unions. Details with videos below.
From my Retaking Wisconsin/Go Wisconsin Unions Act Blue Site:
Jessica King
WI-SD-18
Jessica King is one of the best candidates we have in Wisconsin. She is running against recalled Republican Randy Hopper in the 18th district. In their last race Hopper won by less than 200 votes. This time he is very likely to lose. Jessica King is intelligent and very capable and will make an excellent State Senator. This is one of our best shot this year. Donate to make sure we WIN this time.
Jennifer Shilling
WI-SD-32
Assemblywoman Jennifer Shilling is challenging recalled Republican Kapanke for the 32nd State Senate district. Jennifer is a strong candidate with a very good shot at winning. I'd say this is at least as good a shot as Jessica King since the district is pretty evenly split Repub/Democrat and the unions are energized this time around.
Shelly Moore
WI-SD-10
Shelly Moore is challenging Recalled Republican Sheila Harsdorf for the 10th State Senate district. As a teacher Shelly Moore has been dedicated to the local community for years now and she is now standing up to right wing Republican attacks on education and teachers. She is NOT a career politician but a community member who wants to stand up for her community:
Fred Clark
WI-SD-14
Assemblyman Fred Clark is challenging recalled Republican Olson for the 14th State Senate district. I am hearing LOTS of positive comments from Fred Clark's constituents and neighbors and he seems both an excellent representative AND an excellent person.
Sandy Pasch for WI-SD-8:
Assemblywoman Sandy Pasch is running against recalled Republican Alberta Darling for the 8th State Senate seat. Although this is the newest challenge, it is already being called the most hotly contested of the recall races. Which for me means it is one of the most important.
Sandy Pasch already has an outstanding public service career in the Assembly including these honors and awards:
Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters – 2010 Conservation Champion
Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians – 2010 Friend of Family Physicians
Equality Wisconsin – 2009 Equal Rights Champion
Wisconsin Dietetic Association – 2010 Leadership in Nutrition Awareness Award
Wisconsin Nurses Association’s 2010 Service to the WNA Award
Wisconsin Public Health Association – 2010 Legislator of the Year
2010 NASW Wisconsin Public Service Award
She will make an excellent State Senator.
And the latest addition to the list:
Nancy Nusbaum
Former Brown County Executive Nancy Nusbaum is challenging recalled Republican Robert Cowles in the 2nd State Senate district. Here is her statement about running:
"People across our communities are frustrated with the extreme, divisive agenda that has been unleashed upon Wisconsin without any warning, and by career politicians who put the party bosses and special interests ahead of the people they are supposed to represent," said Nusbaum. "I'm running to be your state senator to stand up to these radical policies, fight for our shared values, and to provide the leadership that Sen. Cowles is failing to deliver."
I will repost with a video when I track one down.
I also want to add three defensive races where Republicans have managed to (arguably) scraped together the signatures to challenge three Democrats. In each case the enthusiasm on the anti-union Repub side is weak, so I don't think we have to worry here, but all three are Republican-leaning districts so I don't want to be complacent either. All three were honorable members of the 14 Democrats who left the state to try and block Walker's anti-union legislation.
Jim Holperin
Jim Holperin is a strong Democrat representing the 12th State Senate district. He is being targeted by a radical Republican recall effort. They claim they have the signatures for the recall. This should be an easy seat to defend, but we still will need to fight for it.
Bob Wirch
This is another probably easy defense. Radical Republicans are targeting Bob Wirch and we do need to pay attention here. But we are probably safe.
Dave Hansen:
And one more probably easy defense. Radical Republicans are targeting Dave Hansen and we do need to pay attention here. But we are probably safe. Here is Dave Hansen talking about being one of the Wisconsin 14:
To donate to these and other good candidates and organizations, please visit my Go Wisconsin Union Act Blue Site. It's time to fight back and we can't wait. Again, I recommend donating $14 to at least one, preferably all, of these candidates. If Daily Kos comes out strong for each of these candidates, we can win.