Blue America Welcomes Wisconsin Heroes Sandy Pasch And Chris Larson
You'd have to be living under a rock not to know there's a battle in Wisconsin that's crucial for the whole progressive movement and for the future of our country. That's why Blue America started a new Wisconsin Recall page and it's why we've invited state Senator Chris Larson and state Senate candidate Sandy Pasch here for a Blue America live chat today (2pm, CT, noon, PT).
As you no doubt recall, earlier this year the newly elected extreme Republican governor of the state, Scott Walker, pushed through a radical attack on basic labor rights. His plan to strip workers of the right to bargain collectively for protections against unfair treatment and unsafe worker conditions was one of the greatest assaults on working families in the last half century. And now he's pushing a radical, destructive agenda that guts priorities like education, health care and help for seniors while giving hundreds of millions of dollars in tax breaks to huge corporations. He couldn't have done it with an equally extremist state legislature, which has rubber stamped every single point on his destructive agenda.
The recall elections next month matter far beyond the borders of Wisconsin. The Walker agenda is being duplicated in state after state by the extreme Republicans who swept into power in last November’s elections. This fight for rights and the basic values we all hold dear will reverberate across the nation, impacting elections in every region of the country. With the help of Blue America's most trusted friend in Wisconsin, Sen. Chris Larson, we looked at all progressives running to replace the six Walkerites and we invited Assemblywoman Sandy Pasch to talk with us today about the elections. She and Chris are both open to answering questions about the campaign and about Wisconsin politics.
Sandy's running in the 8th Senate district. Over the course of a few months, more than 30,000 residents signed petitions to recall Walker-ally and friend of special interest, State Senator Alberta Darling. Darling is a 19- year Republican incumbent who has embraced the extreme conservative agenda. From slashing money for women’s health care, to raising taxes on seniors and the working poor while giving tax breaks to big corporations, to gutting money for Wisconsin schools, to making it easier to carry a concealed gun into days cares, malls and bars, Darling is a prime symbol of why we need to win these recall elections. Formerly a kind of mainstream conservative she's devolved into a career politician who puts the extreme, divisive agenda of the party bosses and special interests ahead of her constituents.
Remember, Democrats need just three net victories to take control of the state Senate and create a firewall against the reckless Walker agenda. Winning Darling’s seat will be a critical part of that equation. She's vulnerable. Polling shows she can be beaten, and even her Republican allies in the Senate have said to the press she is in trouble.
Sandy's a dedicated progressive and has over 30 years of experience as a clinical nurse and educator. She is committed to stopping Walker’s assault on Wisconsin’s working families. Darling won her last election by only 1,007 votes and next month Sandy is the right candidate to fix that mistake.
Winning these recalls will not just help protect Wisconsin-- it will send a signal to the entire country that we will stand up to extreme, divisive agendas that hurt our values and threaten the priorities we know are so important. Help her campaign now, and this summer Wisconsin will be the first step in our national efforts to stand for the ideals under threat by the most extreme right wing special interests facing our country since the 1940's. Please don't forget to make your way over to the live forum in the comments section below and meet Chris and Sandy.
We're honored to have progressive Wisconsin legislators Assemblywoman Sandy Pasch and Senator Chris Larson joining us today. First question's for you, Chris. Can you give us a brief state of play for where we're at with the recall and what the next steps are?
First off, just wanted to say thanks for hosting us today and thank you to everyone out there who is joining us.
The momentum continues to be with the people of Wisconsin. Since the recall petitions were turned in against 6 Republicans, we have had 6 great candidates step up to challenge them (you can find their pages here: https://secure.actblue.com/page/recalls?Refco... )
The elections against the 6 Republicans have been called for July 12th or August 9th if there is a primary. Not surprisingly, it looks like Republicans are realizing they need to pull some shady tricks in order to sneak through these elections. A story just broke showing the GOP Senators will do anything to avoid being held accountable. Now they’re resorting to dirty tricks like running Republicans as Democrats in Democratic primaries to deny democracy. The purpose is clear -- delay elections, create confusion and chaos, and avoid being judged by the voters in the recall elections.
(Story here: http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/12...)
These dirty Nixonion tactics have no place in Wisconsin. And we don't need to waste taxpayer money on phony elections to help these GOPers duck the voters and needlessly delay these elections.
We’ve called on the Republicans facing recalls to denounce these tactics. They have not done so yet.
The folks who protested at the Capitol before shifting to get recall signatures are now out knocking on doors for the 6 challengers.
We are extremely competitive in all 6 of these districts. We need to win 3 in order to stop Walker’s further abuse of power in our state. We continue to work hard and raise money and seek collaboration to make sure we can win in Wisconsin and stop the spread of the right wing ideology here and across the country.
Thanks for being here
Sandy, welcome to Blue America. Chris has raved to us about what a principled progressive you've been in the Assembly and what a great addition you'll be in the state Senate. Is Scott Walker the only issue in this election or are the voters you're talking to asking you the kinds of specific questions they normally ask about in campaigns. What's most important to the voters in the 8th district in terms of what will cause them to actually dump their current state senator and replace her with you?
Thnk you for having me
Certainly Scott Walker and his attack on our priorities and basic worker's rights is an issue. Wisconsinites believe people should come to the table to solve our problems. But we're also seeing the wrong priorities out of Madison right now. My opponent and the political leadership in Madison want to balance the budget on the backs of the middle class, especially on the backs of children, our seniors and people with disabilities. They want to decimate our schools and healthcare for women and families while giving huge tax breaks to large corporations. These aren't our values. People are realizing that their leaders are no longer representing them and are going to the extremes. They have shut out the voices of anyone who disagrees.
These are the issues that will matter in this election.
Is it a media-based campaign or do you have to spend a lot of your time meeting voters in person. How much of your assembly district is in the senatorial district?
Glad you could make it to C&L.
Are you concerned that the Wisconsin Republican Party is trying to place fake Dems on the recall ballot? What do they need to do to get such a candidate on the ballot?
Now that this story has been exposed, I'm not sure how successful the Republican party will be at duping the electorate into going along with this dirty scheme. 170,000 people signed petitions to recall 6 GOP senators. They followed the rules, and they deserve to have their voice heard, not have them shut out by scheming GOP party bosses conspiring in backrooms.
And does the Democratic Party have to recognize them as candidates, or is registering as a Dem enough?
The fake dems would put "Democrat" as party affiliation and then get 400 valid signatures to get there name on the ballot. The Democratic party has no say other than to condemn this behavior and inform the electorate that these tea partiers are only trying to delay the inevitable: real Democrats retaking the Senate and putting a stop to Walker's regressive policies.
You need your meds checked. Up the dosage.
What is your conceptual, continuity?
What we're seeing is that Republicans are terrified to be held accountable by voters in these recall elections. They are using dirty tricks and everything they can to delay, create confusion and ultimately avoid these elections. This is just another example of their refusal to listen to the voices of the people.
Let's make Sandy the Wisconsin 15th!
Have either of you visited Walkerville? Can you tell us something about it and how it's likely to play out in the election?
I haven't had a chance to stop by plan to do so tomorrow. This is a great example of peaceful protestors stepping up with original ideas to make sure they are heard. Businesses and the community have been hugely supportive of the teachers, students and middle class folks showing up at the Capitol since this all started and they continue to show support.
I haven't had a chance to see it yet. I've been out in my district speaking to voters about issues that matter to them. But I'm really encouraged by the energy people have and how committed they are to having their voices heard.
Walkerville's a great idea, and I may do a night there in the next week or two. But Wisconsinites should spend the majority of their available time campaigning for Sandy and her fellow candidates in all six recall districts.
It is the most visible battle in a nation-wide war. if we lose there, it will dispirit public employees, Democrats, and any one who cares about such old-fashioned ideas as democratic government, fair elections, and integrity. The same battles are being waged in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Maine, and anywhere else we have the Koch brothers' toadies in charge. Iowa has Terry Branstad and loonies in charge of the House. This is why I have made serial contributions since February, beginning with a pizza buy for the occupiers of the Capitol.
control the state Senate in Iowa?
That is why we are not Wisconsin, yet.
Through redistricting, I now have a new rep and a new senator, both of whom will have to introduce themselves to a partly-new electorate as well as convince their current constituents to vote for them again. Meanwhile, we will see a lot of corporate money if the last election is any guide.
Thank you so much for the support (and for getting some Ians Pizza for the protestors)! Wisconsin is definitely the battleground for the next few months. If we are able to retake the Senate, we will send a clear message across the country that the right-wing race to the bottom stops now.
as you may, or may not know, other states are going through many of the same problems. Michigan being one example. But some are less in the news, like Pennsylvania and New Jersey. What advice would you give out there for people whose state parties refuse to take on the Republicans?
The movement in Wisconsin began by everyday citizens speaking up to have their voices heard. The party here has been incredibly responsive and continues to listen and respond, but this has been an organic, grassroots movement.
Everyday, we're seeing people across the state, energized by these recall elections.
My only advice would be to keep talking, keep organizing and keep being active. Your strength is in your action.
You have a 200-watt smile that looks great on television. You have done a good job presenting the case for your Senate colleagues in a way that is engaging and friendly. Good job.
Haha - thanks!
Wisconsin always seems like such a schizophrenic state, sliding back and forth from the most positive statesmen like Fighting Bob La Folette and Russ Feingold to disgraceful characters like Joe McCarthy and Scott Walker. What is with that state and, more important, does it look like Wisconsin is about to swing back in a more positive direction?
I'm really proud of Wisconsin's progressive tradition and I'm confident that over the next couple years, we'll see it swing back. I think people across Wisconsin are realizing that Scott Walker doesn't share our values, which has brought more people into the fold who aren't normally active. It has shown people the importance of voting, and being involved in their community.
I watched a lot of the state Democratic Party convention online this weekend. Many of the speakers were really inspiring, which isn't always the case with even well-meaning Democrats. Sandy, can you tell us if Russ Feingold is helping with the recalls at all. Is he doing anything for your campaign? I know part of your district is in Milwaukee and I recall he swept that area.
warning people not to sign any more petitions?
The story just broke open recently. If you haven't seen it yet, here's the link: http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/12...
Blue America is aggregating contributions for Sandy and Chris, as well as for the other canidates who are running for the seats of the recalled Republicans. Please consider contributing here: https://secure.actblue.com/page/recalls.
... give you a majority? Can Walker veto legislation? Can you over-ride?
If you need funds to pay for essentials, you have a revenue problem
If you need funds to pay for frivolity, you have a spending problem
We need to win a net 3.
We need to win 3 seats AND hold on to the 3 seats Republicans are trying to take from Democrats in recalls. If we do that, we will have the majority (17-16). Walker won't have a rubberstamp legislature to push his agenda anymore.
... is no more junk legislation passed, but no guarantee that good legislation will get through without help from the other side if Walker has veto power?
If you need funds to pay for essentials, you have a revenue problem
If you need funds to pay for frivolity, you have a spending problem
Exactly right. In order to get good legislation through, we'll need a new Governor that cares about the middle class. That new governor could be here next year when we recall Walker. But first, we need to retake the Senate.
A net gain of three seats will give us the majority, which will allow us to stop further movement of their extreme agenda. While we will not be able to undo the damage that has been done to our state right away, we will be positioned to redirect our state's priorities and energized to bring about further positive change in 2012.
for your courage and determination.
Wishing you success from the other land of Scott - Florida.
"No one ever said these people were logically consistent."
- watchdog -
Sandy - There are 10 Milwaukee wards in the 8th district, and as we all know Darling is doing a terrible job of representing the people in these wards. The issues facing these people are much different from the rest of the district. I know that the policies you support will help these people - but how do you plan to convince them of that? Are you going door-to-door in these communities or hosting listening sessions and community events? And after we take back the senate, how do you plan to get these people more engaged in the political process and give them a voice?
For too long these people have been ignored by Senator Darling. As a nurse for over 30 years, I well understand the importance of access to healthcare, of safe and affordable housing and quality education. These have been my issues throughout my career and as a legislator these continue to be my top priorities.
I have been going door to door in communities across the district, listening to voters express their concerns and plan to continue talking to residents in Milwaukee and everywhere in the 8th Senate District about what matters most to them.
I just read that Mike Tate says that Paul Ryan will be a central focus in the recall elections. I hadn't heard that before. Will it work? Is it that connected in people's minds? Or is it too abstract for the average voter to make the connection?
I think that Paul Ryan is the face of the radical plan to dismantle Medicare and Medicaid. People across Wisconsin depend on and like Medicare. If you stand with Paul Ryan, you stand with the promise to end healthcare for our seniors. It's not just a policy issue, it's a values issue.
We'll have to see. Each of these 6 Republicans have done so much to hurt the middle class it's going to be hard to point them all out in this short election cycle.
But on a similar note to your question, they not only agree with Paul Ryan's extreme plan to end Medicare as we know it, each of the 6 Republicans voted to put our state's program, SeniorCare, in the hands of Walker's Health Secretary, John Smith for any changes he sees fit, no public input required (FYI: SeniorCare goes further than Medicare in reducing costs for seniors while expanding coverage). Smith had previously written about ending SeniorCare. A big reason he may not have cut it yet is because of all the negative attention around Ryan's plan as well as the recall elections swirling.
Greetings.
I'm curious-historically,how successful have these kinds of recall campaigns proven to be?I ask because as a Canadian living in BC I have seen how difficult it can be to remove someone from office.
"To me, truth is not some vague, foggy notion. Truth is real. And,
at the same time, unreal. Fiction and fact and everything in between,
plus some things I can't remember, all rolled into one big "thing."
This is truth, to me. "
-Jack Handy
Here in Wisconsin, the last two recalls of Senators have been successful. This is not about one or two Senators or one or two issues, but about people wanting to get their state back on the right track. This is a movement to bring about change and stand up for our values. That's why we're going win our challenge of the incumbent Republicans and why our Democratic incumbents will beat back their challengers.
Donations are welcome here.
Special thanks to Patricia in Phoenix! God knows Arizona has enough problems with extremists of their own. We're $90 away from what we hoped the chat would bring in. That's just 9 people giving $10 each. Here's the place.
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Massive irregularities, e-voting vulnerabilities wholly ignored by corporate media throughout contentious, landmark contest...
"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Many thanks to you both for doing so much for the people of WI, Senator Larson and Rep Pasch. I've made what monetary contributions I can afford, and try to inform people of what is going on...but out here in this little town it's so difficult to get people motivated! They just roll their eyes. I'm in Wirch's district and very worried should his recall petition be validated. My husband and I have limited funds, but plan to volunteer for his campaign, but what else can we DO? It seems as if many out here have already lost interest.
The important thing is to continue to do what you can, where you can. Volunteering for Senator Bob Wirch in Kenosha will help a lot. If you've haven't volunteered before, you'll be surprised at how much of an impact you can have by just spending a few hours talking to your neighbors. Talking to your immediate friends and family about what the race means to you will also have a lasting impact on how they vote on July 12th.
Thank you so much for hosting us and for everyone that joined us today. I hope that you consider stepping up to help us in Wisconsin. If we can turn the Republican tide here, it will send a clear message to the country that we can do the same for our country next year. Please chip in what you can. Thank you! -CJL
Why has the Capitol Building been allowed to be turned into a police state? Are the body scanners and extra police forces going to be removed at any time in the future?
How much of the state budget crisis was really just manufactured by the Walker crew to push through this legislation. Is it true they basically created the budget crisis by giving such big tax breaks to their political cronies and corporations?
Thanks.
"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
I just want to thank everyone for their great comments and questions.
Alberta Darling can rely on her multi-millionaire friends and the corporate special interests who have been pouring money into her race. Your help will make a difference in leveling the playing field and allow me to get my message out.
You can learn more about our campaign at www.sandyforsenate.com.
Thank you for all that you do and thank you again for having me on today!
-Sandy
I know you're both busy on the ground there and we really appreciate the time. Best of luck; we'll keep pushing for you, Sandy.
Vote for Sandy.
C&L? Workin for the Government? The people that comment here are working for the Government? What? Have you been up all night smoking crack?
Are you doing Meth?
You're fuckin nuts man. You want everything slashed to the bone. How many senior citizens are you willing to let die? Because they will. You've set up your own death panel bud. Atta boy!
Fox, talk radio, and the teabaggers. (been dippin some there big fella?)
You can't understand the problem, if you block out critical thinking.
That's something you seem to be very good at.You're a natural.
What is your conceptual, continuity?
Tsk tsk tsk. Now now, all of that talk, and not a word was said.
I see you have reading skills problems as well. And, problems with comprehension. That's to be expected I suppose.
yawnnn..... Buh bye now.
And have a nice day.
oxoxoxox
What is your conceptual, continuity?
unless you have my sign-on, or you were the poster, in which case, you should not be here at all with a second account. We have many reasons for deleting comments. Forum spamming, trolling, advertising, flamebait, threats of violence toward others are just a few. I'll point out to you this is a private site, not a government site, and congress has made no law preventing anyone's right to free speech here.
That, and you're 11 days late to this post, dead thread warrior.
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