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Wisconsin Democrats see Scott Walker as beatable
Wisconsin Democrats say they are increasingly optimistic about their chances of knocking off Republican Gov. Scott Walker next year, even though a top-tier candidate has yet to emerge and they’re still recovering from a devastating 2016 election.
Democrats say liberals are energized in opposition both to President Donald Trump and to Republicans like Walker closely tied to him. Walker’s approval rating has been below 50 percent since early 2014.
“I think there’s a ton of opportunity for Democrats,” said Democratic state Rep. Chris Taylor. “What we need to do is have a bold, inspiring agenda.”
Trump became the first Republican presidential candidate to win Wisconsin since 1984, with a narrow 23,000-vote victory that was the third-closest of any state he won. In that same election, Republican Sen. Ron Johnson outperformed Trump on his way to a surprising re-election win against former Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold.
While Democrats are looking for a candidate to take on Walker in 2018, they also have to defend the Senate seat held by Tammy Baldwin. And they must rebuild a weakened infrastructure that has suffered repeated losses against Walker.
His campaign operation was molded in part by Trump’s chief of staff, Reince Priebus, when he was state party chairman before leading the Republican National Committee.
Walker, who remains popular with his Republican base, has all but announced his re-election bid, saying he’s “ready” for another four years and questioning why he wouldn’t run again.
Walker has worked with the Republican-controlled Legislature over the past seven years to enact a host of conservative priorities.
Those include requiring photo identification to vote; making the state right-to-work; legalizing the carrying of concealed weapons; making abortions more difficult to obtain; expanding school choice programs; freezing University of Wisconsin tuition; and cutting taxes by nearly $5 billion.
Walker’s critics say his agenda has devastated public education, severely harmed worker rights and wages, removed protections for the most vulnerable and weakened the state’s economy.
While unemployment is low, Wisconsin lags its Midwest neighbors in private sector job creation, and Walker has yet to hit the promise he made in 2010 to add 250,000 private-sector jobs.
But it’s vital that Democrats have their own message rather than just running as counter to the Trump-Walker Republicans, said Joe Zepecki, a strategist who worked for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mary Burke in 2014.
“All of the makings are there for a really good year for Democrats if we can walk and chew gum at the same time,” Zepecki said.
Republicans cast the Democratic Party as in a state of disarray, frequently citing decisions by several potential candidates not to take on Walker, including Rep. Ron Kind, venture capitalist Mark Bakken and Wisconsin Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling.
“Wisconsin is a top 10 state for business and education with an unemployment rate at its lowest point since 2000, so it’s no surprise that serious Democrats are refusing to run against Wisconsin’s comeback,” said Walker’s campaign manager Joe Fadness
Milwaukee businessman and political newcomer Andy Gronik and state Rep. Dana Wachs, of Eau Claire, are two of the most frequently discussed possible candidates. At least a half-dozen more are possible.
Democratic pollster Paul Maslin said the ultimate candidate is the least important factor for Democrats now. More important, he said, is crafting the message to tap into the unhappiness with Trump and Walker.
“We have to have a message that speaks to people who have been left out of the mix,” Maslin said. “That’s why Trump won. We have to talk change and speak to why we are going to upset the status quo.”
“I think there’s a ton of opportunity for Democrats,” said Democratic state Rep. Chris Taylor. “What we need to do is have a bold, inspiring agenda.”
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These are the reason why I am a Democrat and why I believe we need to recruit a candidate for Walker's seat.
Hello Democrats, how are you doing today?
First of all, I want to thank Luke and Peter for their service to the party and hope they will continue their service for years to come.
Second, I want to thank Kary for his service to the party and believe he will continue to do so for years to come, but I would like for us to give him a round of applause for sharing a story about his mom and reducing the stigma of mental illness. I consider you a friend and I hope to have you as a friend for years to come. I hope you can serve on the board for NAMI.
I’m Adam Brabender, a native of Dane County where I’ve been active in the Democratic Party for over 20 years. Recently I ran for the Dane County Board. I serve on Madison’s Equal Opportunities Commission and my neighborhood association’s executive committee. I’m a member of Yahara House, a Madison clubhouse for mentally ill, where I serve on several committees. I also have another disability which is high-functioning Autism. I would like to share with you what an old friend of the family wrote to me a few weeks back.
You sound like you are pursuing some really interesting things. This speaks to your persistence and strength of character. It's interesting that you're diagnosed when your 20 years old. This was something that was there even when you were three years old. I hope you know this not a character flaw or a weakness. It’s just an attribute. He has several friends who are highly functional and brilliant people who are on the spectrum. He hopes that I have found the Yahara House a welcoming and inclusive place.
I have a certified nursing assistant certificate and an associate degree in human services. I attend UW-Whitewater, majoring in social work and political science.
I’m inspired to run for a DNC rep, because I want the democratic party to be a leader on these issues.
• Add dental coverage to Medicare for seniors and the disabled
• Address student loan debt, especially for disabled students
• Increase the minimum wage to $15
• Pass a non-discrimination LGBT law
• Invest in technology, such as driverless cars, to aid the elderly and disabled
• Invest in research to find drugs with fewer side effects for people with mental illness
• Decriminalize Marijuana
• Increase support for mixed-use Section 8 Housing
• Support Single-Payer Health Care Bill
• Finally, I want the party to create an organization to train people with disabilities on how to run for office. No such organization exists today.
In conclusion, I just wanted to say that I got off of Supplemental Security Income on in January of 2007. I now have over 40 work credits under my belt and living off Disability (the taxes that I paid into the system). There were naysayers saying when I younger that said I would not ever live on my own. With my family help I proved them wrong. Just think if I can prove the naysayers wrong again, and get voted in as your next DNC rep. Maybe, just maybe with your vote I could be the next Temple Grandin in politics and social work.
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