Wisconsin Democrats Help Lead the Great American Renewal by Ron Malzer
If there were any question about the importance of Democratic Party efforts in 2020, it was answered at the Wisconsin Democratic party annual convention, conducted virtually on June 5th and 6th. Held just over six months following Joe Biden’s landslide victory, it was a chance for Democrats in our state to hear praise and recognition of their work by our elected leaders.
Democratic President Joseph Biden expressed his gratitude this way: “Special thanks to the 2000 activists, elected officials, and volunteers across the state. Because of your tireless efforts we won in 2020.”
Our Third Congressional District Representative, Ron k\Kind told us: “Because of your hard work, were able to hold on to a majority in the House of Representatives.”
And Democratic Governor Tony Evers summarized Wisconsin’s progress under his leadership, ending the convention on a high note by letting us be the first to know: “We’ve accomplished a lot in the last two years, but we’re just getting started. Wisconsin, I’m in. I’m running for reelection.”
America has its eyes on our state’s 2022 elections. We will have a chance to replace Sen. Ron Johnson, second to none in the damage he has caused in the US Senate. In the Third Congressional District, the race will be extremely competitive: We live in a district, one of the few, that went blue for Congress to re-elect Ron Kind, despite a victory in this district by the former president. And Josh Kaul will undoubtedly be challenged by a well-funded Republican.
Looking ahead to Wisconsin’s 2022 US Senate election, Democrats have a deep bench to replace Johnson with a competent candidate who shares Wisconsin’s values. Five announced candidates spoke to the convention, as did a sixth person (Steven Olikara) considering the race.
State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski declared: “Ron Johnson cares more about conspiracy theories and Trumpism than Wisconsinites and working families.” … Wisconsinites deserve so much better than McCarthyism 2.0.”
Outgamie County Executive Tom Nelson: “Ron Johnson may be tougher to beat than Donald Trump, and to beat this guy we’re going to have to win up here in the Fox Valley. “This race ought not to be a competition of bank accounts or pedigrees.”
Milwaukee State senator Chris Larson pledged to “unrig” the system “so that it works for everybody, not just the wealthy few.” “And frankly, it’s about stopping the festering fascism that has started to overtake America,”
Wausau radiologist Gillian Battino declared: “America is the land of the free, but if you have to choose between your health and financial ruin, you are not free.”
Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry (currently on leave): “Progressive values are not only good for business, or not just good for the economy, but also are good for the country.”
Potential candidate Steven Olikara: “The current system of hate and dehumanization, it’s unsustainable and it’s immoral.”
Time to start planning the hard work needed for a Wisconsin blue wave in 2022.
Quotes for this piece cited from the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.