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.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/immigration-children-border-s5.jpgDespite fundraising off national guard deployment, Gov. Scott Walker still silent on immigration crisis as he waits for Trump visit to Wisconsin.

Despite misleading new campaign ad for Scott Walker, Wisconsin's economic comeback did not keep pace with the rest of the nation during his eight years as Governor.

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MADISON - In “Our Girls,” Roys tells the story of learning about the prevalence of Bisphenol A, a neurotoxin and endocrine disruptor, in children’s products, and becoming determined to make Wisconsin a leader in banning it.

Roys authored the law with then-Sen. Julie Lassa, making Wisconsin one of the first states in the nation to prohibit BIsphenol A, which is added to plastics, from children’s food and beverage containers.

Throughout her career, Roys has taken on powerful special interests to help Wisconsin’s children and families. Learn more: http://bit.ly/2I7WOhd

Former gubernatorial candidate encourages Wisconsinites to support Kelda Roys as the state’s next Governor.

MILWAUKEE – The crowded Wisconsin gubernatorial race has left many in “wait and see” mode. “That’s a recipe for Democrats’ fourth straight loss,” Gronik said. “Now is the time to pick the candidate that will beat Scott Walker in November! I thought I was that candidate, but it wasn’t in the cards. So, I took a day to say ‘thank you’ to some of the thousands of people who supported me. But now it’s time move on and get to electing the next governor of Wisconsin – Kelda Roys.”

For those paralyzed by indecision, Gronik says, “Get over it or get used to losing. I stood on stage with all of those wonderful candidates – I like and respect every one of them, but that’s not the point. We need to choose the candidate that will beat Scott Walker in November. I believe that candidate is Kelda Roys and I strongly encourage everyone to check out her campaign now.”

Gronik is not wasting any time helping Kelda get elected. Today, he’s launching fundraising emails on Kelda’s behalf and asking his social media followers – the largest in the race – to get on board with Kelda. “There’s simply no time to mess around,” Gronik said. “This is about building name recognition, excitement, and financial resources so Kelda sprints through that primary with the support needed to carry her to victory in November.”

To all the donors who have supported Democratic candidates in the past but are now sitting on the bench, Gronik says, “Get in the game – your indecision is a decision. It isn’t helping anyone, and you’re contributing to the confusion. I would simply ask donors, ‘When was the last time you got what you wanted by sitting back and doing nothing?’ There’s no ‘blue wave’ that’s going to carry just any Democratic candidate across the finish line. You need to join me and help make it happen starting today.”

Gronik outlined his top reason for endorsing Roys. “It’s very simple – I believe Kelda will beat Scott Walker in November. That’s it. No need to make this any more complicated than that.”

Andy Gronik will be hosting a fundraiser for Kelda Roys on Saturday, June 30th. Details forthcoming. Gronik is issuing a special “get off your butts” challenge to Wisconsin’s donor community to attend and match or beat his pledge to donate $5,000 to Kelda for governor. “If I can make a decision to support Kelda the day after getting out the race, you can, too. We’ve got nothing to lose but the election if the people and organizations in the position to make a difference continue to sit back and do nothing. Time’s up! Please join me in supporting Kelda for Governor.”

Milwaukee entrepreneur Andy Gronik steps aside to help focus resources and momentum on a democratic candidate that will beat Governor Scott Walker.

MILWAUKEE - The crowded field of ten Democrats just got a little less crowded today with the announcement that entrepreneur Andy Gronik would suspend his campaign for Governor of Wisconsin. “This journey has been the greatest of my life,” Gronik said. I’ve had the amazing privilege of meeting with and listening to people from all walks of life and all political persuasions – democrats, republicans and people who could care less about politics – from all across our beautiful state. It is these people’s stories and struggles that inspired me to enter this race and bring people together to create a Wisconsin That Works for everyone.”

The Marquette Law School poll released yesterday showed Gronik trailing Evers by a wide margin but clustered together with his other democratic challengers. “The response to my candidacy has been incredible, and we’ve been picking up momentum and supporters every day, but just not fast enough,” Gronk said. “I will be forever grateful to the tens of thousands of people from throughout the state and country who supported my efforts to become the next governor of Wisconsin. And, I will be eternally grateful to everyone who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with me in the fight to reclaim our state for all of the people who live here.”

Despite the incredible outpouring of support, Gronik has not been able to break away from the very crowded field. “It’s time for me to step down and give someone a legitimate chance to win in November,” Gronik said. “There are lots of people sitting on the bench, confused by the large field of candidates and waiting to see what happens in the primary. I don’t think that’s a winning strategy! This is a time for decisive action, so I am strongly encouraging people to coalesce around the Democratic candidate they believe will beat Scott Walker. Let’s not forget that’s the objective. I will be endorsing a candidate soon and will work hard to see the winner of the primary victorious in November.”

“Jumping into this race was as much of a calling to me as anything I’ve ever done in my life and getting out is very difficult for me. I’ve always delivered on my promises, and I made a lot of promises throughout our state that I’d bring people back together to build on Wisconsin’s strengths and make a living here better for everyone. I took this fight for so many good reasons but especially to help those marginalized by our broken political system who cannot fight for themselves. I’ve fallen well short of my goal, and it hurts.”

“I want to thank my wife Mary and my amazing children Spencer and Maria for all their love and support. I’ve been largely absent from their lives over the past 2-1/2 years working tirelessly to find real solutions to the social issues dividing our state. Every conversation I’ve had during this period has been my honor, and I will take away one compliment as a remembrance of this amazing journey, ‘Andy, you are everywhere, for everyone, always. Wisconsinites, you are loved," Gronik concluded.

Every voter deserves to have their voice heard. Many state Republican politicians who have blocked this right are up for re-election this fall.

MADISON, WI – The U.S. Supreme Court delayed a decision on the merits of Wisconsin’s gerrymandered legislative maps, dealing a temporary setback to advocates for fair elections. In response to the ruling, Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling released the following statement:

“Democrats believe every voter deserves to have their voice heard,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “Republican efforts to suppress voters, restrict voting rights and rig elections through gerrymandered maps have demonstrated just how desperate they’ve become to cling to power. Despite this delay, Democrats will continue to champion non-partisan redistricting reform to empower citizens and restore fairness to our election process.”

Republican lawmakers in the majority party have repeatedly blocked redistricting reform legislation (SB13/AB44) and voted against a Democratic budget motion to create a non-partisan redistricting plan. Republican politicians, many of whom are up for re-election this fall, will benefit from maps that been drawn unconstitutionally in their favor.

Wisconsin legislative districts have been described as “one of the worst partisan gerrymanders in modern American history.” Even though State Senate Democratic candidates won a majority of votes in 2016, Republicans expanded their majority due to the partisan gerrymandered district lines.

We need to take the politics out of the map-drawing process by enacting our Fair Maps redistricting plan, says Senator Hansen.