Gubernatorial candidate Mahlon Mitchell hosts a roundtable on criminal justice reform and visits the Clinton Rose Senior Center in Milwaukee on Monday.

MILWAUKEE - Yesterday was a day of hard conversations.

Our tour brought us to Milwaukee, where I hosted a roundtable on criminal justice reform -- an issue deeply personal to many folks in that city and around our state.

We know that an incarcerated Wisconsin is not a productive Wisconsin. My Administration will look beyond incarceration and invest in opportunity in our vulnerable communities and work to foster a criminal justice system that focuses on rehabilitation and successful re-entry.

But first, we have to listen. I need you to enact true reform -- you, your ideas and your experiences. I’m here to listen and take action.

Next, I was welcomed by the community at Clinton Rose Senior Center where residents voiced their concerns about access to health care and other essential services and the rising cost of prescription pills.

Medicaid pays for premiums, copays, and drug costs but the single most important way Medicaid helps seniors is by covering long-term care or nursing home costs. By not taking Medicaid expansion dollars we are putting the lives of older Wisconsinites at risk. Our seniors deserve the best care and access to services they can get.

We ended the day with President Trump’s announcement of Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court.

The stakes of the 2018 midterm election cycle can not be more dire. Wisconsin cannot count on Scott Walker’s cronyism, corruption, and incompetence to protect the rights of the over 5.7 million Wisconsinites.

We need a Governor that will stand up for a woman’s right to choose, our families' right to fair and equal pay, and our right to healthcare -- no matter what comes out of the Supreme Court.

Yes, these conversations -- about badly needed reforms to our criminal justice system, about rising health care costs, about dangerous changes to the Supreme Court -- are difficult. But with all hands working, we can rise together and move forward, no matter what.

Thank you,

-- Mahlon

"When the doors are closed, Leah is not going to be a doormat" - Glenn Grothman

PEWAUKEE, WI — Rep. Glenn Grothman, who represents Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District, endorsed Leah Vukmir for U.S. Senate Friday at a campaign rally.

“Every step of the way, Leah has taken the hard route, not afraid to make the fundamental changes we need in this state," Grothman said. “Behind the scenes, she’s not afraid to fight, and I know when the doors are closed, Leah Vukmir is not going to be a doormat. To beat Sen. Baldwin this fall, it is so important that we fire up, and all get prepared to do all we can to support the woman I’m endorsing for U.S. Senate — Leah Vukmir.”

“I’m thankful to have Glenn on my team,” Leah said. “He has been a leader fighting to balance our budget, get people off food stamps and into family-supporting jobs, and defund Planned Parenthood. I can’t wait to work with him to take our Wisconsin values to DC.”

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Leah Vukmir is a nurse, military mom and conservative with a proven record who has stood with Gov. Walker in cutting taxes and implementing bold reforms. Endorsed by the Republican Party of Wisconsin, Leah is running for the U.S. Senate to bring the Wisconsin Way to Washington.

Roys’ plan focuses on improving healthcare, education, wages,  and opportunity for working families - beginning on day one of her administration. Outagamie County Executive Thomas Nelson adds his endorsement.

GREEN BAY, WI - Today, Kelda Roys announced the agenda she will be campaigning on in the primary - Building Wisconsin’s Future: An Agenda for Working Families, as well as the endorsement of Outagamie County Executive Thomas Nelson.

“I have known Kelda for almost 15 years and there is no better advocate and champion for working families,” said Outagamie County Executive Thomas Nelson, who announced his endorsement of Roys at the press conference. “Working together, we took on some of the biggest, most powerful special interests – and won. I can say in no uncertain terms that you can count on Kelda to get the job done: to return our state to its progressive roots, to ensure affordable health care for all Wisconsinites, to build an economy that works for our families, and to make our public schools, once again, the envy of the nation. I am delighted and honored to endorse Kelda Roys, the next governor of our state.”

Nelson’s endorsement came as Roys unveiled Building Wisconsin’s Future, her agenda for working families. Families across Wisconsin are falling behind as the prices of health care, child care, higher education and prescription medication continue to rise, while wages remain stagnant and schools suffer under massive budget cuts. Kelda Roys’ Building Wisconsin’s Future agenda will empower families by raising wages, lowering costs, and investing in Wisconsinites all across our state.

Building Wisconsin’s Future has three pillars:  education, healthcare, and economic security:

• Renew Wisconsin’s Commitment to Public Education

  • Ensure universal access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education

  • Pass free tuition to two-year universities and technical colleges

  • Enable Wisconsinites to refinance their student loan debt

  • Restore the deep cuts made to Wisconsin’s public schools and UW system

• Expand Healthcare Access & Affordability

  • Reduce the prices of prescription medication

  • Make BadgerCare a public option to reduce prices and increase access

  • Accept the ACA’s Medicaid Expansion to save money and create jobs

  • Expand access to mental and behavioral health services and rural healthcare

• Build an Economy for Workers & Families

  • Ensure women can fully and equally participate in the economy by defending the right to choose

  • Allow Wisconsinites to buy-in to a stable public pension system

  • Pass universal Paid Family & Medical Leave

  • Raise wages by increasing the minimum wage to $15/hour over time

  • Restore workers’ rights to collectively bargain

  • Eliminate WEDC and restore a public commerce agency focused on Wisconsin-owned small and growing businesses and homegrown innovators

“I’m running for governor because I have a track record of delivering for working families, and Wisconsin needs that now more than ever,” said Roys. “We can restore opportunity and fairness to Wisconsin, making our state a place where every child, and every family, can thrive.”

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More information on Kelda’s policy agenda can be found at Keldaforgovernor.com

Kelda Roys, 39, is a small business owner, attorney, former state representative, and past head of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin who has been standing up for women and families throughout her career. In the Assembly, she stood out as an influential and effective lawmaker, delivering results for working families and helping lead the opposition to Governor Scott Walker’s divisive agenda. As a parent and step-parent of four girls, Roys will fight for paid family leave, affordable childcare, great schools, and quality healthcare for all. In a year in which Wisconsin voters are ready for change, Kelda Roys stands ready to lead Wisconsin into a more progressive future on day one.

Former Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate says Mandela is an experienced leader with strong progressive values.

MILWAUKEE, WI - In my campaign for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, I traveled all over our state. I consistently heard one clear message: Wisconsin’s current leadership is taking us backward. Working people and families are hurting, and we need smart trailblazers with a clear vision to give every Wisconsinite a brighter future.

That’s why I’m proud to endorse Mandela Barnes for Lieutenant Governor.

Mandela is an experienced leader with strong progressive values. Recent events in Washington and Madison have shown just how important this election is for preserving civil rights, protecting our most vulnerable and standing up for workers.

Mandela has my support, and he needs yours too. Will you join me and make a contribution to his campaign today?

He is the candidate we need to help elect Democrats up and down the ballot and gives us the best chance to defeat Scott Walker this November. Mandela has worked with state legislators and advocacy groups across the nation to score progressive victories and beat back right-wing attacks.

I’m ready for a Lieutenant Governor who knows how to fight against policies that hurt working families and one who will not stop until we have a Wisconsin that works for everyone.

In solidarity,

Tim Burns

Will be in Green Bay this coming Monday, July 9th at the Brown County Democratic Party Office.

GREEN BAY, WI - Democratic gubernatorial candidate Kelda Roys will be announcing her policy agenda in Green Bay this coming Monday, July 9th. Roys will also unveil the endorsement of a prominent Fox Valley elected official at the event.

Roys’ campaign has spent months building the momentum needed to win the gubernatorial primary. The endorsement of fundraising powerhouse EMILY’s List, Kelda’s victory in multiple straw polls across Wisconsin, including the straw poll held at the Democratic Party of Wisconsin convention, and a bold progressive agenda have solidified Roys’ status as a frontrunner in this campaign.

WHO:

- Kelda Roys: real estate entrepreneur, former state representative, attorney, candidate for governor

- Endorsing Fox Valley Elected Official

WHAT:

- A press conference unveiling Kelda Roys’ primary campaign agenda

WHEN

- Monday, July 9th - 2:00PM - 2:30PM

WHERE:

- The Brown County Democratic Party Office

- 118 S Chestnut Ave, Green Bay, WI 54303

State Representative says "our next governor has to prioritize the health and well-being of all Wisconsinites. Kelda Roys is the only candidate in this race who will be ready on day one to do just that.”

MADISON, WI - Today, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Kelda Roys was endorsed by State Representative Lisa Subeck.

“I’m proud to endorse Kelda Roys,” said Rep. Subeck. “Kelda has spent years working to ensure every Wisconsinite has access to quality, affordable healthcare, and she has the track record to prove it. To restore opportunity and fairness to Wisconsin, our next governor has to prioritize the health and well-being of all Wisconsinites. Kelda Roys is the only candidate in this race who will be ready on day one to do just that.”

Roys has previously been endorsed by many national and state organizations and leaders, including EMILY’s List, NARAL Pro-Choice America, National Organization for Women, Feminist Majority, Demand Universal Healthcare, Moms Demand Action, #VoteProChoice, Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa, Rep. Nick Milroy, Rep. Amanda Stuck, former Sen. Jess King, and dozens of local elected officials.

“I’m honored to have the endorsement of Representative Subeck,” said Roys. “Subeck has been a fantastic leader on the issues of healthcare, equality, and justice. Together, we will make sure every Wisconsinite has the opportunity they need to get ahead.”

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Roys is a small business owner, attorney, former state representative, and past head of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin who has been standing up for women and families throughout her career. In the Assembly, she stood out as an influential and effective lawmaker, delivering results for working families and helping lead the opposition to Governor Scott Walker’s divisive agenda. As a parent and step-parent of four girls, Roys will fight for paid family leave, affordable childcare, great schools, and quality healthcare for all. In a year in which Wisconsin voters are ready for change, Kelda Roys provides the clearest contrast to Scott Walker.

Wisconsin Republicans are calling for unity and he says "[P]lenty of people in our own state...are not happy with things Ron Johnson does"

MADISON -- Not everyone is happy ahead of Wisconsin Republicans' Friday attempt at a "unity rally," during which Speaker Paul Ryan and Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner will stump for Republican Party of Wisconsin-endorsed candidate Leah Vukmir. 

At a campaign event last week, Vukmir's primary opponent Kevin Nicholson suggested that U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson's record and past votes have earned him the scorn of Wisconsin Republicans:

"[P]lenty of people in our own state in the political class...are not happy with things Ron Johnson does all the time."

Johnson and others have urged "the weaker" candidate to drop out, but Kevin Nicholson's out-of-state mega-donor Dick Uihlein has continued to spend big to buy Nicholson the election. And Nicholson has continued to attack Vukmir at campaign events across the state, including by slamming Vukmir as an "insider's insider."

Plan includes several new policies to raise wages, boost job growth, and create economic development.

MILWAUKEE, WI - Democratic gubernatorial candidate Matt Flynn today released his updated economic plan for Wisconsin, including several new policies to raise wages, boost job growth, and create economic development.

“It is time to build communities where families prosper,” said Flynn. “Scott Walker’s policies are not working. After seven years of stunted economic growth that lags behind the rest of the nation, Wisconsin is ready to move its economy Forward again.”

Flynn noted that economic development in most parts of the state would continue to be curtailed if the Foxconn contract is not rescinded.

“If taxpayers are forced to give away $4.5 billion to Foxconn it will remove capital needed for economic development from communities throughout the rest of the state. Wisconsin cannot move Forward again unless we stop Foxconn.”

Read the full plan here.

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Matt Flynn is a Navy veteran, attorney, and former Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. He graduated from law school at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

For additional information, visit www.ForwardWithFlynn.com.

On Nov. 6, voters have the opportunity to elect two conservation champions to state office.

MADISON – Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters proudly endorses Mandela Barnes for Lieutenant Governor and Sarah Godlewski for State Treasurer.

Mandela Barnes was first elected to the State Assembly at age 25. There, he emerged as a champion for sustainable growth, clean water for all, and renewable energy.

"I'm honored to have earned the support of Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters. Over the past eight years, our state has seen an unprecedented level of environmental abuse by the Walker Administration and its allies. I'm proud to run on my track record as a legislator and will continue to fight for safe drinking water, breathable air, and to preserve our natural resources for future generations," Barnes said.

Sarah Godlewski led the fight to preserve the State Treasurer’s office, helping to avoid the loss of a crucial check on Gov. Walker’s power over Wisconsin’s public lands.

“I am honored to have earned the endorsement of Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters after we worked together to keep the treasurer’s office and protect our public lands. I will fight hard to ensure the highest sustainability practices so Wisconsin's great outdoors can continue to be the best place to live, work, and play,” Godlewski said.

Program Director Matt Dannenberg said this of the endorsements:

“On Nov. 6, voters have the opportunity to elect two conservation champions to state office. Mandela Barnes is a proven leader who will fight for clean water and against polluting special interests as Lieutenant Governor. Sarah Godlewski helped save a critical check on Gov. Walker’s power over our state’s public lands. She will restore the dignity and effectiveness of the State Treasurer’s office.”

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Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to electing conservation leaders, holding decision makers accountable, and encouraging lawmakers to champion conservation policies that effectively protect Wisconsin's public health and natural resources.

Tony is a Wisconsin success story, having served communities from Tomah to Oakfield. He knows the challenges that rural Wisconsin faces says Obey.

MADISON – Tony Evers, State Superintendent and Democratic candidate for governor, is proud to announce the endorsement of Congressman Dave Obey. Obey’s endorsement comes fresh off last week’s Marquette Law School Poll showing Evers with an 18-point lead over the rest of the Democratic primary field. On Friday, State Rep. Dana Wachs suspended his campaign and also endorsed Evers for governor.

“I want to thank Dana Wachs for his campaign, and now that he’s made the difficult decision to suspend his campaign, I applaud him for his support of Tony Evers, another candidate who will work to put Wisconsin back on the right track and focus on the entire state,” Obey said. “Tony is a Wisconsin success story, having served communities from Tomah to Oakfield. He knows the challenges that rural Wisconsin faces, because rural Wisconsin is where Tony spent almost half his life. Tony can unite Wisconsin, restore respect to education, put a focus on statewide job growth, make BadgerCare stronger, and protect our environment.”

Evers has run statewide three times, most recently winning 70 percent of the vote and 70 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties, just over one year ago. As State Superintendent, Tony has never lost a county north of Highway 29.

“I am truly honored to receive the support of Congressman Obey. He dedicated his career to fighting for northern Wisconsin and the impact of his public service continues to be felt today,” said Evers. “Sadly, today, too many Wisconsin communities feel like they’ve been left behind and continue to wonder, ‘what about us?’ As State Superintendent, I’ve been a fierce advocate for our rural schools and as Governor, I can promise rural Wisconsin will have an ally and friend.”

Since 2011, over 1+ million Wisconsinites have voted to increase property taxes on themselves because Scott Walker hasn’t adequately funded Wisconsin’s schools. Heading into a tough re-election after years of cuts to public education, Walker accepted Evers’ budget recommendations for the first-time last year. Just last week, Walker released a fourth campaign ad, proclaiming to be a “pro-education governor.”

“Too many of our students and educators have been forgotten or neglected by Scott Walker. It’s been a few years since I first described this governor as “Public Education Enemy Number One,” but the label fits tighter than ever. For him to try to call himself a “pro-education governor” is so full of baloney that it begs an examination of what’s really in all those sandwiches of his,” Obey concluded.