Pragmatic, common-sense solutions, like an independent redistricting reform, are needed to remedy our broken politics where career politicians, special interests, and major corporations win at the expense of everyday people in our state.

MILWAUKEE - Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Andy Gronik, released the following statement on Monday in response to the Supreme Court's ruling in Gill v. Whitford:

"Today, the Supreme Court of the United States decided to delay action on Gill v. Whitford, the Wisconsin gerrymandering lawsuit. I applaud the plaintiffs on bringing up an important case and bringing attention to millions of voters who now know what gerrymandering is and how letting legislators choose their constituents, instead of the other way around, destroys our democracy.

"From the beginning of this campaign, I've made it clear that if we want to protect democracy here in Wisconsin, our governor needs to be a fighter, someone who will fight to make sure the peoples' voice is heard. This month, I took on the state GOP and Governor Walker after they tried to strip away the voices of 1,770 people in Milwaukee's African American community and people with previous felony convictions who had signed his nomination papers. I'm not talking the talk, I'm walking the walk and fighting for every voice in Wisconsin.

"As your next governor, I'll use my problem-solving skills to work with the legislature to pass independent redistricting reform that adopts the Iowa redistricting model and takes partisanship out of mapmaking in the future.

"It's pragmatic, common-sense solutions, like an independent redistricting reform, that we need to remedy our broken politics where career politicians, special interests, and major corporations win at the expense of everyday people in our state.

"I've always believed in a transparent, accountable, and accessible government. The right to vote is sacred and we should do all we can to protect that right and expand it to as many Americans as possible to ensure they have a voice in our government. Voters should choose their politicians, not the other way around.

"We need someone who is a fighter and who will protect our democracy as our next governor. I don't sit on the sidelines while my fellow Wisconsinites are attacked and have their voices taken away by dirty political tricks. I've stood up to Scott Walker and his election machine twice and won. I am that fighter that Wisconsin needs and after I beat Walker in November we'll restore the voice of the people of this state once again."

Questions why fellow Democratic candidate Tony Evers is adopting Scott Walker's tactics on wages.

MILWAUKEE - Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Matt Flynn made the following statement Thursday criticizing a recent proposal to reduce the salaries of Wisconsin's state legislators.

"Why is a Democrat adopting Scott Walker tactics on wages?

"This week saw a proposal from one of my Democratic opponents to lower legislator pay to match that of a starting teacher in Wisconsin. This is a Walker-style tactic to pit the public against their own elected officials.

"Since Scott Walker took office, his mission has been to drive down wages in our state. With Act 10, so-called Right-to-Work legislation, ending Prevailing Wage, and refusing to raise the minimum wage, Walker has put a cap on wages. The median wage in Wisconsin, adjusted for inflation, is lower now than it was under Governor Jim Doyle. 

"Walker has pitted private sector workers against public sector workers. Now, a fellow Democrat proposes to use the same divide-and-conquer tactics to pit the people against their representatives. I disagree.

"We need a Governor who will lift wages in Wisconsin. We need someone who will repeal Act 10 and Right-to-Work, bring back Prevailing Wage, and raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour. We need someone who will put in place policies to make everyone do better—not drag everyone down.

"I get it—this was an election year stunt, much like Governor Walker's recent property tax stunt. But Wisconsinites don't need political stunts. They need higher wages.

"Teachers should have their starting salaries raised, and repealing Act 10 will enable bargaining for wages, hours, and working conditions to make that happen. 

"Furthermore, legislators should be full-time public servants. If legislator pay is lowered, only the wealthy will run for office because only they can afford to serve part-time for little pay. 

"Wisconsinites are tired of suffering from stagnant wages, and where people work two or three jobs to make ends meet. We have to get rid of the divisions that pit neighbor against neighbor. Democrats' goal is to raise everyone's wages, not to lower them."

###

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.

New face in 88th AD race congratulates Frostman on win Tuesday, says it’s time to reclaim the Wisconsin idea and move forward.

GREEN BAY - “Congratulations to Senator Elect Frostman," said Tom Sieber, Democratic candidate for the 88th Assembly District in a press release Tuesday.

"The victory tonight sends a clear message; it’s time to reclaim the Wisconsin idea," said Sieber. "The idea that we will grow local business and protect the environment. The idea that affords the next generation with the best education and opportunities possible. The idea that our community knows what is best, and not enormous multi-nationals corporations paying off politicians to collect corporate welfare."

"The time for change is now," concludes Sieber. "Some of the state is waiting until November to move forward. Here, in the 88th district we are already hard at work. No more dirty business. No more dirty air and water standards. And, no more dirty politics. We are the future of the Wisconsin idea and we are here to stay."

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/plumer-jacque-s5.jpgDemocratic candidates in both Green Bay, Door & Kewaunee Co. area Senate District 1 and Central Wisconsin Assembly District 42 promise to fight for affordable, quality health care for all. Be sure to vote this Tuesday, June 12.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/andre-jacque-speaking-assembly-s5.jpgCandidate in Senate District 1 has extreme record that shows no regard for the health, safety and dignity of Wisconsin women or vital, life-saving research.

New video, shot in Eau Claire, focuses on the kind of change Mike is working for and on the extensive grassroots network he has built. Watch it here.

ALTOONA, WI - Mike McCabe's Principle Over Party campaign today released its latest campaign video, which was shot during a recent campaign swing through Eau Claire. The video focuses on the kind of change Mike is working for and on the extensive grassroots network the campaign has built, with well over 2,100 volunteers working all across the state to reach out to voters.

"Not taking any single donation over $200 and not selling out to wealthy interests means we won't have the most money. But with the citizen army we've enlisted, ours is by far the richest campaign when it comes to people power," campaign manager Christine Welcher said.

The video was made by Scott Kunkel, a talented twenty-something from Eau Claire who is embarking on a career as a videographer and video production entrepreneur. Scott mostly has done promotional work for rock bands and other musical acts. He had never produced any kind of political advertising until the McCabe campaign's debut video that was launched last October. That introductory video was shot on the day Mike announced his candidacy from the farm where he grew up and at a local cafe in his hometown of Curtiss. It got to the heart of why he is running for governor and offered a glimpse of his vision for Wisconsin.

"Our campaign is about breaking the mold, so the last thing we wanted was a cookie-cutter approach to campaign videos. We weren't scared off by the fact Scott had never done political advertising. We were drawn to him for that very reason," Welcher said.

Roys presents her vision at the Democratic State Convention Friday in Oshkosh.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/door-county-people-s5.jpgRepublican candidate in Senate District 1 June 12th special election, already called out by conservationists for numerous votes against clean water protections, comes under fire for vote against school funding.

Republicans may get “civility” at tonight’s forum -- but long-term damage has already been done.

MADISON - Republican Party-endorsed U.S. Senate candidate Leah Vukmir and her opponent Kevin Nicholson may put on a show of feigned "civility" at tonight’s Republican Women of Dane County candidate forum -- after all, they nearly made it through last month’s Americans for Prosperity debate without throwing punches. But make no mistake: Wisconsin’s Republican U.S. Senate primary has been defined by Vukmir and Nicholson taking increasingly ultraconservative, extreme policy positions while they’ve lobbed escalating personal attacks at each other.

A veneer of civility at tonight’s forum would surely be a cause for celebration among Wisconsin Republicans. For example: Former Tommy Thompson aide Bill McCoshen and Sen. Ron Johnson have respectively called for Nicholson to “[E]ither step out of the race or at least not attack [Vukmir]” and “Please do nothing to harm the other candidate.” Vukmir herself echoed that sentiment yesterday, calling on Nicholson to drop out.

But it doesn’t matter if Vukmir and Nicholson somehow manage to have a “respectful” debate tonight. GOP infighting and Vukmir and Nicholson’s mutual animosity have for months been the status quo. Vukmir has made it more than clear that she believes that Wisconsinites can’t trust Nicholson. And ignoring Wisconsin Republicans’ pleas for post-convention unity, Nicholson has nevertheless continued to attack Vukmir as “a career politician.”

“Vukmir and Nicholson's brutal infighting has left the Republicans with a lagging party brand and a lack of enthusiasm in their base,” said Brad Bainum, Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesperson for the 2018 Senate race. “No matter tonight's outcome, there’s no denying that Wisconsin Republicans’ 2018 primary has already surpassed the nastiness of 2012’s smackdown.

Democrat withdraws from race to support primary opponent in Milwaukee suburban district currently held by Republican.