October 2023

Newsletter October 2023

    Good day everyone! My name is Doreen Woelfel, I am the 2023 chair of the Calumet County Democratic Party.  You are likely registered or expressed interest in the Calumet County Democrats group to receive this newsletter.  

Let me assure you, there are Democrats in Calumet County.  I say this, as we all have been in the position of keeping this on the “down low”. If you are reluctant to say you are politically aligned with Democrats, you are not alone.  Which begs the question, why are you a Democrat?  We are going to need you! In 2024, we need to step up to the challenge of keeping the United States a democracy, and not being bullied by Republicans. 

     At the center of these issues is protecting the election of Justice Janet Protasiewicz. Judge Janet was elected with an overwhelming majority – a 10+ point margin! But even the results of a fair election hasn’t stopped Republicans from threatening to impeach her. Republicans are desperate to stop the court from making sure elections are fair in Wisconsin. We must make sure that the manufactured majority in Wisconsin state houses is not a threat to the will of the people. Take a look at https://www.propublica.org/article/wisconsin-gop-gerrymander-elections-janet-protasiewicz to understand what is at stake in 2024. Calumet county is an extreme example. We are a small county yet our population is divided between 3 different districts. Justice Protasiewicz will continue to be challenged as a result of Republicans’ attempt to control elections, and may well affect so many issues, including a women’s right to determining their own choices in health care, LGBTQ+ rights, what is taught in schools, child poverty, environmental issues, gun violence and civil rights.  There is no end to the Republicans’ idea of controlling the state of Wisconsin into the future.

The Biden campaign is preparing to focus on Wisconsin (and Arizona), as Wisconsin may likely determine who will be the next president and who controls congress. Trump, at the top of the ticket, is dangerous! This will affect down tickets heavily…who gets elected to School Boards, Assembly, City Councils, etc.  Senator Tammy Baldwin has yet to have a declared opponent, but Republicans are scrambling and bringing in dollars to support a run against her.  

      We have many seats in government that are going unchallenged across Wisconsin!  How can we have a democracy if no one will run against a Republican? In Calumet County, the only Democrat running for an Assembly seat is Emily Voight, District #3.  This  includes Brillion, Forest Junction, Stockbridge, Sherwood, and parts of Kimberly and Little Chute.  (https://www.emilyvoight.org/).  If you go to her website and look at the map, you will see how starkly Calumet County is divided.  No Democrat is running against Paul Tittle (District 25 : Charlestown, Chilton, Rantoul, Hilbert, Potter and part of Manitowoc county), to say nothing of the 59th District (New Holstein).  Will you consider running? Please reply to this email if you are interested or know somebody who has an interest.

And so, back to “Why are we Democrats?”  What is your “story” about your decision to support Democrats, or even change parties?  How has it affected your life? What are your values? I would very much like to hear from you.  Even more, I’d like to see you at a Calumet Democrats’ meeting.  We generally meet the third Tuesday of the month. However, our next meeting will be November 28th. 

         Also, please consider joining WisDems (https://secure.actblue.com/donate/wisdems-membership?refcode=mem-website-home-slider).  A portion of your dues come back to our local county party and helps us conduct the activities that make us visible to Calumet County residents.

         Please write back to me on why you are a Democrat.  Your story may actually pave a way for others to get past this, and stand up for Democracy without fear. You can be an inspiration!   Just know, you are not alone!  Register to vote if you haven’t.  Get involved.  Get acquainted with your representatives.  Are they really representing you?

Meetings:  Third Tuesday, Monthly 6:30 PM, except November will be the 28th, at the Chilton Public Library    Your input is very important! Please come to a meeting or address your comments, ideas, questions to me at:

Doreen Woelfel, Chair, Calumet County Democrats,  doreeneliza796@gmail.com