As Hurricane Sandy slowly passes over my house and subways are still shut down, I have time on my hands. So I will take the time to help folks organize in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin is a state I focus on a lot because it is where my Jewish ancestors first moved in the US when they fled the pogroms in Russia. I still have relatives there including the family of my distant cousin Henry Rollins. Have to admit it kind of gets to me that we have people like Paul Ryan elected in the state that gave my ancestors refuge from pogroms.
At some point I got on the email list of the Milwaukee Labor Council. They have some upcoming efforts well worth emphasizing.
First off, let me plug a couple of other efforts.
Here is a diary outlining 50 Top Obama accomplishments (despite Republican obstructionism and Democratic weakness) so far. A must read for inspiration.
For those who are feeling optimistic about Democratic chances this year and who want to push extra hard to make this year's results like 2006 and 2008, here is an Act Blue site dedicated to turning lean Repub seats blue. Only two donors so far so please chip in if you want to be aggressive this election.
And for those who are feeling like we need more defense than offense, I just made a companion Act Blue site to the above which focuses on those races where Dems are polling slightly ahead but we could still lose if we aren't careful. Be the first to donate there if you want to help with defense.
And now, here are ways you can get involved in Wisconsin: (below the break)
GOTV Rally in Green Bay Thursday
Join us this Thursday, November 1, at 4:00 p.m. for a special get out the vote rally with USW International President Leo Gerard, AFSCME President Lee Saunders, Wisconsin State AFL-CIO President Phil Neuenfeldt, U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Baldwin, 8th congressional district candidate Jamie Wall, state Senator Dave Hansen, and endorsed candidates for the state assembly Pat Vesser and Jeff McCabe.
GOTV Rally
4:00 p.m. Thurs., November 1
Green Bay Labor Council, 1570 Elizabeth Street
Click here for a rally flyer to share with friends and neighbors (PDF). This rally is a great time to get energized and fired up to talk with your friends, neighbors, co-workers and family members about the importance of the November 6 elections.
After the rally, grab a walk packet or a phone to help elect working family candidates like President Obama, Tammy Baldwin and a host of local candidates!
From the Milwaukee Labor Council: GOTV
GOTV Schedule Nov 1- 6
Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee Counties
Canvassing Office, Milwaukee Labor Council
633 S. Hawley Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53214
414-520-0344
jwoodards@aflcio.org
Predictive Dialer Office, Wisconsin AFL-CIO
6333 W. Bluemound Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53213
414-573-2170
SHIFT TIMES
9 AM- 12 PM
12 PM - 3 PM
3 PM - 6 PM
5 PM - 8 PM
And for Election Protection in the Milwaukee area:
Volunteers Needed for Election Protection
Wisconsin Election Protection will be in full force on Election Day and you can help. First if you would like to be a NON- PRATISAN Election Day Observer for Wisconsin Election Protection please sign up at through this link http://www.lwvwi.org/... Volunteers are needed and we have a need for observers in Milwaukee. You will be contacted about dates and times for training in Milwaukee.
You can also help by circulating the 1-866-OUR VOTE, 1-866-687-8683 national hotline number. This number will be answered and any election related issue can and will be addressed. Please use the number, in any community you live in for any election related problem, circulate it widely, thank you.
Next I want to highlight particular candidates who need our help in Wisconsin in general. You can donate to help these candidates through my
Embarrass Romney/Ryan 2012 Act Blue website.
WI-SEN:
The tea party is really aiming for this seat. We need to defend it if we want to hold onto the Senate. We also need to show Ryan that his greedy and cruel vision for Wisconsin and America is a failure and that his own state prefers the more progressive vision of Tammy Baldwin. This has been a tough race and it looked like the Repubs were going to win it. But we have been fighting back hard and it now leans Dem. But we can't take it for granted. Let's win it solidly!
You can read more about Tammy Baldwin at Democracy for America.
WI-01:
Rob Zerban is running for Paul Ryan's own seat. I say lets fight the right on their own territory. If we can give Ryan a run for his (ample) money right in his own district it will send a clear message how sick America is of his extremist views. After last night's embarrassing performance by Ry maybe his own district will start turning on him.
WI-07:
This is a key House race. This is a real chance to pick up a seat from the Republicans. But right now it leans Repub. Again, that has GOT to change and we can do it.
Patrick Kreitlow has been endorsed by the Intl. Association of Firefighters, Steelworkers Union, National Farmers Union, NARAL Pro-Choice America Intl. Brotherhood of Teamsters, AFL-CIO, League of Conservation Voters, Planned Parenthood Action Fund Sierra Club, United Auto Workers, WI Federation of Nurses, and WI Alliance for Retired American, among others.
WI-08:
This is another pick up opportunity for Democrats in the House. This one is trending away from us but we can still turn it around.
Jamie Wall has been endorsed by Green Bay Firefighters, the Alliance of Retired Americans, the Teamsters, Human Rights Campaign, American Federation of Teachers- Wisconsin, American Nurses Association, United Auto Workers, and many others.
WI-SD-18:
Jessica King is one of my favorite Democrats. And she has been for several years.
Jessica King is one of the best things to happen to the Wisconsin State Senate, winning one of the hard fought recall elections against the right wing extremist Republicans. Jessica King is intelligent and very capable and will make an excellent State Senator.
She has been endorsed by Progressive Majority and is one of America's best progressives. Let's make sure she wins re-election.
WI-SD-32:
Jennifer Shilling is another Progressive Majority endorsed candidate who won one of the recall elections. And this is another seat worth defending.
WI-SD-22:
Bob Wirch was one of the Democrats targeted by Republicans for recall...but we beat them, defending Bob's Senate seat. Let's show him we still have his back. Bib Wirch is also endorsed by Progressive Majority.
WI-SD-30:
Dave Hansen was also one of the Democrats targeted by Republicans for recall...but again, we beat them. Let's show him we still have his back. Dave Hansen is also endorsed by Progressive Majority.
Again, you can donate to help these candidates through my Embarrass Romney/Ryan 2012 Act Blue website.
From a Badger State reader:
Here's some links. Please visit them to find out how you can volunteer and/or donate to these campaigns:
State Senator Jessica King
Wisconsin 6th Congressional District Candidate Joe Kallas
US Senate Candidate Tammy Baldwin
Ryan Flejter (facebook link), the Democratic candidate for Wisconsin's 53rd Assembly District. He is a friend of mine and lives about six blocks away from me. He doesn't have a car elevator, but he has a lovely wife, three dogs and a chicken coop.
Finally here is a phone banking effort anyone in any state can do at home:
Make phone calls through Democracy for America to support Progressive candidates
Get active so that after November it will still be a sunny day on Sesame Street. Sweep away those right wing Republican clouds!