Bittersweet Election as Wisconsin Democrats Score Legislative Trifecta ~ Local Races Can’t Break Through
By now you have heard the news! Not only did the Democratic statewide slate win their elections; we were able to get what is called the “Trifecta”, electing the Executive branch, and both chambers of the legislative branch!
At the top of the ticket, David Crowley and Sarah Godlewski scored a lopsided victory just shy of 9% over Maga Republican Tom Tiffany. Josh Kaul returns as Attorney General with 55% of the vote. JoCasta Zamarripa won by 5% over the incumbent Secretary of State Jay Schoeder and Yee Leng Xiong outpaced incumbent State Treasurer John Leiber by 3.5 points.
Wisconsin has returned to our progressive roots in electing these public servants from across different socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds. We are “The Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity State”!
As exciting as these victories are, we were not able to deliver victories for two of Kewaunee Dem’s favorites, Renee Paplham and Rick Crosson. They are owed a great debt of gratitude. Both ran aggressive, decent and tireless campaigns. Neither will disappear from the public service arena any time soon. As we’ve learned from the groundwork laid in Texas by Beto O’Rourke and in Georgia by Stacy Abrams, both of whom lost their elections in 2022 and 2018 respectively only to stay in the arena and help Dems win big in 2026. Their personal losses paved the path for eventual HUGE victories for the Party.
Their work, your work, our work, was not in vain. FORWARD!
We Interrupt Your Reading for this Important Announcement
The volunteer effort by Kewaunee County Democrats was arguably the largest ever, starting with Spring Canvassers, those working the Fair booth in July all the way to those making phone calls and texting voters throughout the evening on November 1. Therefore, we are planning a special Volunteer Recognition edition of Speaking of Democracy. Everyone, whether you volunteered or not, are welcome to come and celebrate!
Tuesday November 17, 6p – 8p
@ The Grain Loft N6975 Hwy 42 Algoma
Complimentary Appetizers, Beer, Wine and Soda
Nationwide Results Deliver Democratic Majorities in US House and Senate
While the 8th Congressional District failed to remove Republican Tony Wied from his Congressional seat, Wisconsin’s 1st and 3rd Districts were successful in flipping democratic. Thus, ushering in the “Blue Tsunami” that swept across the nation rendering Trump as a lame duck President with both the Congress and the Senate now under Democratic control.
So, What Does it All Mean?
There is good news in that Democrats can slow some of the Trump administration’s dangerous policies, however as the Constitution intended, there are limitations on how much any one or even two branches can do. And don’t forget, “The Big Ugly Bill” HR1 which cuts Medicaid and SNAP benefits does not start until January – before the new Congress is sworn in. Trump still holds veto power. It is unlikely the incoming Speaker of the House promise to repeal HR1 in “the first 100 hours” can happen. However, there are billions of dollars of funding being held hostage by the current Congress that can (and hopefully will) be released by the new Congress and does not require presidential approval.
In Wisconsin it’s very different. With Democrats in control of all three branches, Democrats will have the green light to repeal Walker-era measures such as Act 10. And as we heard during the campaign, we need to fully fund Public Schools for the first time in more than a decade.
At both levels, legislators must pay immediate attention to the issues voters voiced loud and clear – address affordability, wealth and taxation gaps and corruption in government!
And our job as constituents is to hold all our elected officials accountable to make the needed changes.
Crowley Showed Up in Kewaunee and We Showed Up for Him
In early October, Kewaunee Democrats were contacted by the Crowley campaign asking if there was a Kewaunee County farmer who would be willing to speak, on camera, with David Crowley and Senator Tammy Baldwin about soaring costs. This was the week diesel fuel prices had rolled past $6.00/gallon while farmers were mid-harvest.
Local farmer, seed dealer and agricultural expert Clark Riemer was willing to host them and appear on camera. A very brave move for this 4th generation farmer. For almost two hours the three met and toured Riemer’s operation. While Baldwin is no stranger to Kewaunee County farmers, this was Crowley’s first time in the area and Riemer made short work of bringing Crowley up to speed on the faming community’s challenges and needs from the State. The conversation was free-ranging and easy-going.
A few weeks later we received notice that the Crowley campaign wanted to kick off their Statewide bus tour from Kewaunee County if we would have them. And would we! Even though a 9 o’clock rally on a Sunday morning was not ideal, Kewaunee County showed up! The official count was 93 enthusiastic and very vocal people who came out to eat donuts and hear speeches; to take pictures and shake hands. Crowley Campaign Director, Chandler Denhart later commented that “Kewaunee County really set the tone for the entire bus tour.” Your energy that morning transferred to the candidates just when they needed it!
Congratulations Kewaunee Dems – you really spoke up and out!
County Party Leadership Elections
Per the Democratic Party of Wisconsin Constitution, the election of County Party officers is to be held every two years. That means the members of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin - Kewaunee County (DPKC) will be voting on the positions of Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary. Job Descriptions documents can be requested or questions sent to current Chair, Stan Johnson at Stan_Johnson@ATT.NET. Any DPKC member may run for office and can either self-nominate or be nominated at the December 15th meeting or any time prior.
Voting will be done in person at our December 15th Speaking of Democracy meeting or via electronic ballot on the 16th.
Current Chair Stan Johnson and Vice Chair Jodi Parins have notified the Leadership team that they will not be continuing in their current roles.
Party Office Closes for Respite Break
The Algoma office will be closing for a break between Nov 14th and the first week of February.
Sad News to Report
We are profoundly sad to announce that Frank Madzerivic, or “Big Frank” as some knew him, has passed away after a series of medical issues. Frank was born in Milwaukee where he graduated from South Milwaukee high school. He received his BA from UWGB. In 1975 he was hired by UWGB athletics where he served in many roles culminating as Director of Facilities. Frank could always be seen around the Phoenix Sports and Kress Events Centers. He volunteered his time at Bayfest, the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Pump Room Oktoberfest in Green Bay. He was a regular fixture at local high school basketball games serving as timekeeper and scoreboard operator.
Frank served on the Kewaunee Democrats Leadership Team for the past four years. He was the guy with the bubble machine on our Dems parade float!
Additionally, he served on the town of Montpelier's board as Planning Commissioner and served two terms on the Kewaunee school board. He was a gentle-man and a staunch defender of clean water rights and was passionate about liberty and justice for all.
We encourage everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Frank to join us at his celebration of life at The Bar East (Phoenix Room) 606 Lime Kiln Rd Green Bay between 4p- 7p on Saturday Dec 5th.
