August Newsletter
Dems A Hit At County Fair
Thanks to more than 20 courageous volunteers who represented the Democratic Party of Kewaunee County in the booth all four days prompting some great conversations with Fair-goers. We listened and learned about the issues facing Vets in light of the Trump administration cuts--from a million-dollar staff reduction at the VA Center in Green Bay to the loss of the Kewaunee County veteran services liaison. James Winter (Army) and Roger Jahnke (National Guard) even participated in the Veterans Parade on Thursday night!
A PowerPoint presentation explaining what we stand for rotated on a large screen while we handed out “Demonstrate Democracy” silicone bracelets and “I [heart] USA” stickers.
On Sunday member Keith Bancroft revealed our 2025 parade float featuring Lady Liberty! Participants noted a mostly neutral to positive crowd reaction. We’ll take that as a “win.”
All in all, we believe that our objectives of being visible and approachable, educating “the other side” on what we stand for and showing that Dems are patriotic were all well met. Here are quotes from booth visitors:
“Since MY party is apparently not here, I’ll vent to you.”
A Republican voter noticed that the Dems were the only Party represented, which led to a great conversation with us.
Opportunities In August
First Friday In Algoma
August 1st from 5-7pm
Algoma Party Office – 305 Steele St, Suite 102
Make signs, pick up signs or just hang out. Refreshments provided.
First Friday is sponsored by the Algoma Area Chamber as an opportunity to visit the shops and galleries along Steele St, many of who are friends to the Party. Stop in before or after visiting the Office.
Shanty Days Parade – Ride With Lady Liberty
Saturday August 9, 11am – 2pm
Algoma
Participants may walk or ride. Contact Renee at 920-304-0342 to reserve your spot and to get on the group text to coordinate exact location the day of the parade.
Annual Summer Potluck Picnic
Sunday August 17, 1-3pm
Heritage Park at the Algoma Marina*
Join us for music, candidates and friendship!
SPECIAL SPEAKER
Supreme Court candidate Judge Chris Taylor
ENTERTAINMENT
The Raging Grannies
FOOD
The Party will be providing pulled pork sandwiches. We ask, as able, that attendees bring a dish to share:
Last name A-M, please bring Sides or Salads
Last name N-Z, please bring Desserts or Sweets
*In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held at the Algoma Boat club.
Opportunity (Still) Knocks – Volunteers Needed
Newsletter
We are looking for someone to be in charge of this newsletter. Ideally, someone familiar with Microsoft Word, Gmail, Google Sheets and has a communications or journalism background. Requires approximately 5 hours/month, mostly during the last week of the month.
Time To “Build Our Bench”
This is very difficult to write: One of the strengths of the Republican party is their ability over the last half dozen years to control local policy by getting their party members elected to so many local offices. (Clear throat)
From dog catcher to congressional candidate and everything in between, the GOP has built a bench of potential candidates to run for every open office! Ever thought YOU might be interested in running for your local School Board, Town Supervisor or County Board? Maybe you’d like to get more involved with the County Party and helping set the strategy for the upcoming campaign season?
Wonder what any of those jobs entail or if you have “the right stuff”?
Not to fear – help is here!
At our June Speaking of Democracy event, we were joined by Becky Rasmussen of Wisconsin Progress, an organization whose mission is to “Recruit, Train, (get) Elected and Develop” candidates for local and state-wide office. Becky has been instrumental in working with a number of potential candidates to become elected officials. Wisconsin Progress provides effective A-Z resources for those interested in serving in a variety of roles.
If you have questions, think you might want to get into public service, know someone else who may or if you want to get more involved in the County Party, please contact County Chair, Stan Johnson at stan_johnson@att.net to discuss your interest and how to proceed.
New News – Things You Should Know
Misinformation (Shock) Abounds With Big Beautiful Bill
Much has been in the news about passage of HR 1, also known as the “The Big Beautiful Bill Act”. Unofficially, detractors refer to it as “the big BS bill”. The cuts are deep; cruel and unusual and detailed analysis is readily available for those who like to get in the weeds.
Fact Check has done a great job getting beyond partisan sound bytes:
https://www.factcheck.org/2025/07/unraveling-the-big-beautiful-bill-spin/
All 800+ pages can be found at:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text
The Trump administration along with Republicans in Congress have gone to extraordinary lengths to structure the bill to defer many of the worst cuts until AFTER the 2026 mid-term elections so as not to impact their candidates’ election chances. Locally, that means 8th Congressional Rep Tony Wied for one.
This info-graphic gives a thumbnail sketch of what happens and when.
Immigration Crisis On Our Doorstep
Stay tuned as members of Kewaunee County Dems will participate in an introductory meeting regarding Rapid Response Teams being assembled locally and throughout the state. Reports are being received regarding immigrant-related layoffs at the Tyson plant in New London. Area activists are asking for everyon to stay vigilant and let us know if you hear anything similar happening at other businesses.
If you are interested in getting more involved in protecting our immigrant neighbors, contact us at kcdpwi@gmail.com
Tee Shirts Available at the Office & Picnic
New “Demonstrate Democracy” tee shirts are available at the office while supplies last. Wouldn’t these be a great wardrobe addition for your next “demonstration”?
Suggested donation of $17 for those who are able.
The Democratic Party of Kewaunee County
305 Steele St, Suite 102 in Algoma