Democratic Party Wisconsin Chair Martha Laning goes on CNN as Republicans move to undermine newly elected governor.
MADISON - The foundation of our democracy depends on respecting the will of the people but last week Wisconsin Republicans refused to carry out that mandate.
Your incredible response last week intensified the pressure and public scrutiny on their override; enough that it’s still making national headlines. I spoke on CNN to amplify your voice and our plan of action. You can take a look here or below.
We’re working to hold Republicans accountable for overriding the will of the people. Our plan of action is to increase voter turnout in the spring elections and secure many victories in 2020. Republicans don’t want people to vote, but that is exactly what we will mobilize people to do.
P.S. We’re asking people to continue to speak out.
Can you take a moment to call Gov. Walker’s office and ask that he veto the undermining of our democracy? You can contact the governor's office by phone at 608-266-1212.
http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/univ-student-vote-s5.jpgThanks to a lot of hard work we have a new Governor, Attorney General and State Treasurer, we won the statewide vote, but gerrymandering has left the GOP in control of the legislature. No time to waste feeling bad, the next major election is upon us.
MADISON – Representative David Bowen (D-Milwaukee) issued the following statement Wednesday following the marathon power grab legislative session:
“Wisconsin Republicans have gone too far and people from both sides of the aisle have made that clear by flooding their offices with calls and emails. The fact that they couldn’t get done everything they wanted is a win for those who believe in democracy and my Democratic colleagues who refused to give in to these corrupt tactics. I look forward to when these measures are found unconstitutional and our state can get past this low moment in our history. In the meantime, I encourage everyone to continue to call the governor’s office at (608) 266-1212 to make their voices heard.”
"Astonishingly, the Republicans primary concern is to protect their own power," says Senator Janis Ringhand of Evansville.
MADISON - Last night, the Republican controlled State Legislature convened in a lame-duck session to throw its final temper tantrum of 2018. Speaker Vos (R-Burlington) and Senate Majority Leader Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) along with our local Republican legislators evidently do not like the fact that the voters of the state elected Democrats Tony Evers Governor and Josh Kaul Attorney General.
“If I was on the losing end of an election that saw my party lose every state wide election this past November, I’d reexamine the positions I campaigned on since a majority of the people in Wisconsin thoroughly rejected them. Astonishingly, the Republicans primary concern is to protect their own power. Instead of reevaluating the right wing ideology the voters rejected, they convened an unprecedented lame-duck session to pass bills limiting ability of the newly elected Governor and Attorney General to do their jobs and to stack state boards and commissions with handpicked cronies,” said Senator Ringhand.
Governor Elect Evers and Attorney General Elect Kaul won their elections fair and square. They deserve the opportunity to do the job the people of Wisconsin elected them to do.
“It is unfortunate that our local Republican legislators did not stand up to their leaders and chose to put politics before the wishes of the people who want both political parties to work together and solve the problems facing our state,” concluded Ringhand.
GREEN BAY, WI - Senator Dave Hansen of Green Bay had the following to say Wednesday morning regarding the Republican lame duck session.
“Scott Walker’s and Senate Republicans’ Christmas gift to the people of Wisconsin was to ignore their desire for change and instead deny Governor-elect Tony Evers’ and Attorney General Josh Kaul’s the ability to effectively carry out their duties on behalf of people of our state.
“Their actions are an affront to the voters, basic fairness and our democracy. Rather than work to ensure a smooth transition, they decided to undermine the will of the people and the incoming administration before Tony Evers and Josh Kaul take office on January 7th.
“They can try all they want to turn back the clock on the election, but the people are moving on without them. The best thing for all of Wisconsin would be for Scott Walker and Senate Republicans to come to terms with that and work sincerely with Governor-elect Evers and our new attorney general to help address the challenges our state and our citizens and families are facing.”
Written by Chris Larson, State Senator, District 7
Wednesday, 05 December 2018 10:11
MILWAUKEE - Senator Larson had the following to say Wednesday morning regarding the lame duck session.
“This morning, fresh of an election defeat, the Republican-controlled legislature voted to subvert the will of the people. The effects of this vote will be felt for years to come.
“Never before in Wisconsin’s 170 year history has an extraordinary session been used in such a cold, calculated way in order to usurp the power of duly elected constitutional officers. It is particularly disturbing that legislative Republicans would chose to poison the well of bipartisanship before duly elected officials are allowed to take office.
“What the Republicans have done is terribly short-sighted and will leave a permanent stain on their and our state’s legacy. It is unfortunate, that by refusing to recognize the voice of the people, they have broken Wisconsin Government. It will be all of our neighbors who suffer for years to come.
“Wisconsinites went to the polls in record midterm numbers and voted for change on November 6th. They responded to the people by essentially appointing the losing side as Attorney General. Now unelected, unaccountable private lawyers can potentially usurp any federal case from the duly elected Attorney General.
“We have a rich American history of peaceful transfer of power for the good of the people. This morning, Republicans instead decided to burn the house down on their way out the door.”
http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/mining_wisconsin_senate_s5.jpgMake your voice heard and stop this abuse of power! Tell legislators to accept the will of the people!
Thank you for all of your hard work and wish your family the very best Thanksgiving.
MADISON - I am reaching out to wish you and your entire family a great Thanksgiving and share just how thankful I am for the support Wisconsin Democrats gave my campaign.
With your help, we delivered a big win for Wisconsin, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.
For the past 14 months, so many of you have invited me into your homes and businesses, knocked doors, and made phone calls.
You talked to your friends, family members, and neighbors to get them out to vote for me, Mandela, Tammy, Josh, Sarah and the rest of our Democratic slate.
As the campaign progressed, I realized more and more that this election was always more important than us, or any political party.
It was about people getting directly involved and fighting for a Wisconsin that works for all. I want to thank Wisconsin Democrats like you that helped us make our plan a reality.
Our work together to implement the idea that “what’s best for kids is what’s best for our state” is just beginning, but it’s also important to reflect on how far we have come.
Kathy and I want to thank you for all of your hard work and wish your family the very best Thanksgiving.
Senators Janet Bewley, Mark Miller, and Janis Ringhand also elected to leadership posts.
MADISON, WI – Wisconsin Senate Democrats gathered to elect leaders for the 2019-20 legislative session. Sen. Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) released the following statement after being re-elected Senate Democratic Leader:
“I am honored that my colleagues have once again entrusted me with the responsibility of serving as Senate Democratic Leader. After years of single-party control, Senate Democrats are ready to usher in a new era of Democratic leadership with Governor-elect Tony Evers, Lieutenant Governor-elect Mandela Barnes, and Attorney General-elect Josh Kaul. Today begins a new chapter.
“I am excited to work with all of my colleagues in the Senate and continue serving as a strong voice for the values and ideals of Wisconsin’s hardworking families. Now more than ever, we need to fight for quality schools, safe roads and strong communities. From childcare assistance and student loan debt relief to tax fairness and protecting coverage for preexisting conditions, Democrats will continue to push for solutions to grow our middle class, encourage innovation and expand economic opportunities.”
In addition to unanimously electing Sen. Jennifer Shilling as the Senate Democratic Leader, the following senators were unanimously elected to Democratic leadership posts: Assistant Leader Sen. Janet Bewley (D-Delta), Caucus Chair Sen. Mark Miller (D-Monona) and Caucus Vice-Chair Sen. Janis Ringhand (D-Evansville).