http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/evers-speaks-dairy-mo-s5.pngUSA Today: State Democratic Officials “Doing All They Can to Increase Participation and Turnout”

State Senator Jeff Smith writes about everything that he, and his office, can do to serve residents of the 31st Senate District.

Rebecca Kleefisch has tossed aside her “nonprofit” the 1848 Project like yesterday’s trash in preparation for her gubernatorial run, move surprises no one.

MADISON, Wis. -- Just days before a “big announcement,” Rebecca Kleefisch has tossed aside her “nonprofit” the 1848 Project like yesterday’s trash in preparation for her gubernatorial run. Kleefisch filed paperwork to run for governor this week, and abruptly stepped down from the 1848 Project today.

Over the last year, Kleefisch has used the 1848 Project to hide her donors, abuse the tax code, and dodge the scrutiny that comes from being an announced candidate. The 1848 Project did little to hide its true purpose - Kleefisch hired political operatives from the Republican Party of Wisconsin for key roles in the organization, ran radio ads directly attacking Gov. Tony Evers, and released a self-described policy “manifesto” that reads like a far-right campaign platform.

An IRS complaint was filed against the 1848 Project earlier this year.

“Rebecca Kleefisch’s resignation from the 1848 Project is too little too late - Wisconsinites still deserve answers about who funds this organization, how much money the nonprofit spent on raising Kleefisch’s profile across the state, and whether the project will still exist as a dark money group to support her candidacy,” said Democratic Party of Wisconsin Rapid Response Director Kayla Anderson. “With her upcoming ‘announcement,’ it’s even more obvious that this group only existed as a holding place to pay her campaign staffers, promote her campaign platform pre-announcement, and avoid media scrutiny. We look forward to holding Kleefisch accountable for her lack of transparency and her radical agenda in 2022.”

MADISON - Ron Johnson has spent months discouraging Wisconsinites from getting the vaccine while pushing controversial and unproven COVID treatments like ivermectin, a dewormer drug that has hospitalized people across the state and country. See more below:

Wisconsin State Journal: ICYMI: US Sen. Ron Johnson doubles down on controversial early COVID-19 treatments, including ivermectin

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson on Wednesday doubled down on touting early treatments for COVID-19, including the much maligned use of the anti-parasitic drug Ivermectin, even after federal health authorities warned against unauthorized use of the drug to treat COVID-19.

[...]

Johnson for months has advocated for the consideration of drugs unproven to treat COVID-19 — such as the anti-parasitic medication Ivermectin or malaria treatment hydroxychloroquine — as potential therapies for people who have contracted COVID-19.

[...]

In a health advisory last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned clinicians and the public that ivermectin is not currently authorized or approved by the FDA for treatment of COVID-19, and that the National Institutes of Health has also determined there is currently insufficient data to recommend ivermectin for treatment of COVID-19.

Even so, there has been a 24-fold increase in ivermectin prescriptions compared to before the pandemic, according to the CDC.

[...]

Physicians in Wisconsin and across the nation have criticized Johnson and others for touting the use of ivermectin and other unproven treatments for COVID-19, especially given the existence of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines.

Dr. Scott Walker, a family medicine physician in Prairie du Chien, said whether for veterinary or human use, the underlying ivermectin drug is still the same.

"It’s approved range of uses is very limited," Walker said. "It’s not demonstrated to have any effect on COVID-19, and it is known to be dangerous, especially at higher doses."

Walker said Johnson should be promoting safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines instead of unproven treatments. Despite no evidence showing ivermectin as a treatment for COVID-19, Walker said he's recently heard from a pharmacist who received a large shipment of ivermectin.

[...]

Dr. David Gummin, medical director of Wisconsin Poison Center, said the center has received a slight uptick in the number of calls regarding ivermectin. He said the center has received 17 calls regarding potential ivermectin poisoning so far this year, compared to 10 by this time last year, and 11 the year before that.

Gummin said some people may feel the medical community is trying to withhold information on the use of ivermectin and other unproven COVID-19 treatments. But he said the reality is that there simply isn't sound evidence to indicate people should use such drugs to treat COVID-19.

Dr. Jeff Pothof, UW Health chief quality officer  and an emergency medicine physician, said ivermectin in humans is typically used to treat parasites, such as roundworms and nematodes, and also can be effective against lice. He said the medication is more frequently used in countries with lower standards of sanitation and food safety. In the U.S., he said the medication is more often used in livestock and pets to treat conditions such as heartworm.

Pothof said misinformation over the use of ivermectin may stem from early in the pandemic, when some suggested ivermectin could be used to treat viruses.

[...]

Studies so far indicate there's no benefit to using the drug for COVID-19.

"Anything you take has a risk, so if there's no benefit, and only risk, we shouldn't be doing that to people," Pothof said. "Doctors do not experiment on their patients in the U.S."

He said ivermectin can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. At higher doses, the medication can cause low blood pressure, seizures, coma or even death. Pothof said that while there are new antibody therapies that may help prevent severe COVID-19, the best course of action for people without COVID is to get vaccinated.

Governor welcomes Afghan Refugees While Republicans Pull Self-Serving Political Stunt

MADISON, Wis. -- Today, Gov. Tony Evers visited Fort McCoy to receive updates on Operation Allies Refuge and meet with Afghan refugees who are being housed at Fort McCoy.

Wisconsin residents who would like to help support refugees and in the global response to the crisis in Afghanistan should visit the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families “How Can I Help?” page, which is available here.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler released the following statement:

“Families just like yours and mine, who happened to grow up in a different part of the world, are seeking to safely start a new life and contribute to our communities. At the heart of Wisconsin values is the commitment to welcoming and protecting our neighbors. And this is not the time to abandon those values.

“At the center of our best Wisconsin is the bedrock, selfless commitment to looking out for one another. But Republicans showed up to Fort McCoy today to make it about them, and turn this into a circus. Governor Evers visited to announce what the administration will be doing to help refugees and welcome them to our state. Leadership means living out your values and bringing people together -- even when those who benefit from fear and division are on the attack. I am proud that Governor Evers and President Biden are doing just that, while Republicans are trying to score political points.

“Think about how you would feel if you and your family had to travel to a new country to start a new life of freedom and safety. Now think about what you can do to help Afghan families arriving now. This moment must bring out the best in all of us. Afghan refugees, you are welcome here.”

Reince Priebus Reveals WI GOP’s Sham Election Review Could Cost Taxpayers Nearly $700,0000

MADISON, Wis. -- In a scathing editorial today, The Capital Times editorial board slammed Assembly Speaker Robin Vos for failing to stand up to Donald Trump’s lies and using taxpayer dollars to undermine confidence in our elections, saying, “With each passing week, Vos and his bumbling henchman — disgraced former Wisconsin Supreme Justice Michael Gableman — have upped the ante, amplifying the big lie and burning through more tax dollars.”

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported today that former Trump chief of staff Reince Priebus said Robin Vos’s sham election review could cost Wisconsin taxpayers as much as $680,000. After Priebus broke the news, Vos confirmed he has allocated additional resources for “independent contractors” to bring Arizona’s Cyber Ninja circus to Wisconsin.

A recount, a report from Donald Trump’s Department of Homeland Security, and multiple rulings by courts in Wisconsin proved that the 2020 Wisconsin election was secure time and again.

If Vos was honest, the ed board said, “He would have rejected the lie long ago and told Trump to crawl back into the swamps of Mar-a-Lago.”

Read the full editorial here.

“This is such a joke - Robin Vos is letting Trump and his lackeys walk all over him, and Wisconsin,” said Democratic Party of Wisconsin Rapid Response Director Kayla Anderson. “Republicans aren’t in Madison to help Wisconsinites, they’re there to help themselves. If Robin Vos and his caucus actually cared about Wisconsin, they’d focus their energy on expanding affordable health care, fully investing in equity in education, or encouraging people to get the life-saving COVID-19 vaccine - instead they’re taking plane rides with Donald Trump and spending taxpayer money on undermining our democratic elections. It’s pathetic.”

Senate Candidate Tom Nelson pledges to wrestle Wall Street and corporate interests to the ground.

Appleton, WI – U.S. Senate candidate and Outagamie County executive Tom Nelson will visit five more counties on the ninth day of his “Full Nelson 72 Counties Tour” on Aug. 27.

Nelson announced the tour in a video explaining his plan as the only Senate candidate to travel through all of Wisconsin’s 72 counties in 72 days.

“I come from the Fox Valley, a tough place for Democrats to win, but I’ve won six times. So look for us, coming soon to a restaurant, to a gas station, a community center near you,” said Nelson in the video launch.

Nelson has visited 38 counties already, getting an especially great response from community members who live in parts of the state that can otherwise feel ignored, as noted by KPJR-TV channel 6 of Superior, Wisconsin.

The tour will continue through September, with Nelson driving all night long to make sure he hits each community and is open and accessible to all. While many candidates do tours that only involve elected officials and select invited guests, Nelson has chosen to open his tour up to anyone who wants to see him at the local pub, McDonalds and coffee shops. He has won six times in a Trump county because he’s not afraid to speak to anyone, regardless of political party.

A schedule for the ninth day of the tour can be found below:

Winnebago County - 9:00 a.m. -  Pilora's Cafe, 910 N Main St,

Oshkosh, WI 54901 - https://fb.me/e/K2b7RGNy

Fond du Lac County - 10:20 a.m. - Annie's Fountain City Cafe,

72 S Main St, Fond du Lac, WI 54936 - https://fb.me/e/2KoPuS27a

Green Lake County - 12:00 p.m. - Town Square Community Center,

492 Hill St, Green Lake, WI 54941 - https://fb.me/e/1buVALayT

Marquette County - 1:20 p.m. - MORE Healthy Foods

15 Main St, Montello, WI 53949 - https://fb.me/e/1bCZKGzZ1

Waushara County - 2:45 p.m. - Bird Creek Park

16th Ave & W Division St, Wautoma, WI 54982 - https://fb.me/e/1f9x3XTx4

Watch Nelson’s video launch HERE.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

TOM: Hi, Tom Nelson, candidate for the U.S. Senate, coming to you live from Highway 10 - in the middle of our great state. This is a practice trip of sorts because later this week, we’ll be kicking off the ‘Full Nelson Tour.’That’s right, 72 counties in 72 days - we are going all over!  I want to find out the issues that are important to you because when I go to Washington, I’m going to take on the corporate interests. I’m going to put the billionaires and the millionaires in a headlock because I’m going to Washington to work for you. I’m gonna fight for a Green New Deal, Medicare for All, a $15 minimum wage. I come from the Fox Valley, a tough place for Democrats to win, but I’ve won six times. So look for us, coming soon to a restaurant, to a gas station, a community center near you.

MADISON, Wis. -- This week marks one year since a police officer shot and seriously injured Jacob Blake in Kenosha, as well as the tragic killings of Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler released the following statement:

“As these dates bring up traumatic memories for Black Wisconsinites, the Kenosha community, and our state as a whole, we send our deepest condolences to Jacob Blake and to the families of Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber, and wish them and their loved ones strength. This year’s anniversary is yet another horrifying reminder of the violence of white supremacy, which devalues, maims, and ends Black lives in our state.

“We have to fight racism head-on. Every single day. On the ground. That work demands all of us -- you, me, and those we elect to represent us. That means having committed leaders who are willing to work proactively for equity and racial justice. I’m proud to say that Gov. Evers has been taking important steps to work towards just that -- including his leadership helping Kenosha repair and rebuild, with millions of dollars directed to support small businesses to ensure the community bounces back.

“Appallingly, instead of moving forward and coming together, Republican politicians relentlessly lie, stir up conflict, and sow division in a community that has been through so much. The GOP’s repeated lies and false ads are a disgusting and unproductive campaign to politicize a tragedy, and a deliberate insult and provocation to those who have been organizing and protesting in defense of Black lives. Republican politicians are trying to distract and divide Wisconsinites, and slow down the movement for racial justice by spreading lies about the state’s response. One year after a series of infuriating and sickening events, the people of Kenosha deserve better.

“We must keep our focus on coming together and fighting for a just and equitable Wisconsin. If our laws do not prevent or address injustice, it is time to change them. This means confronting and defeating racism and white supremacy in our state and in our nation. Black lives matter.”

MADISON, Wis. -- According to Friday’s jobs report, Wisconsin added 13,100 jobs in July. Compared to July 2020, Wisconsin has added over 104,000 jobs over the past year.

This economic recovery is echoed across the country, as all 50 states and the District of Columbia saw jobless rates decrease from this time last year. The economy is building back better thanks to President Biden’s pandemic relief efforts, congressional Democrats’ American Rescue Plan, and Governor Evers’ support for small businesses across the state.

Thanks to Democrats, Wisconsin is on the road to economic recovery:

NBC Madison: Wis. bank CEOS report more favorable economy than end of 2020, survey finds

CBS Milwaukee: Evers, WisDOT announce rail project to help spur $10M investment, 40 new jobs in Walworth County

CNBC: Just one child tax credit payment reduced financial anxiety for 56% of families

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Rapid Response Director Julia Hamelburg released the following statement:

“While Wisconsin Republicans like Sen. Ron Johnson, Rep. Mike Gallagher, and Derrick Van Orden continue to peddle baseless conspiracy theories and curry favor with wealthy donors, Democrats are focused on delivering for Wisconsin’s working families. Today’s jobs report is further evidence that thanks to President Biden and Governor Evers, Wisconsin is bouncing back as vaccination rates continue to increase and people are getting back to work.”

Uihleins, Diane Hendricks, and Johnson himself made big money on 2017 tax cut, media reports.