The Wisconsin State Assembly passed the Right to Work bill on Friday by a straight party line vote of 62 to 35. Since the bill already passed the state senate last week, Governor Walker has announced that he will sign the bill on Monday at Badger Meter in Brown Deer.
We all knew this bill would pass. We all knew that the governor would sign it when it passed despite his earlier protestations to the contrary. The conclusion was forgone. Yet thousands of Wisconsin workers once again took to the streets around the capitol and protested and rallied against the bill. Those lucky enough to get on the agenda spoke out against the bill before the legislature. Dozens of Democratic elected officials spoke out against the bill. Some even tried to add amendments during the discussion in the Assembly. But the GOP once again attacked working class Wisconsinites!
But why do I say that the Dems are tone deaf? Because the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, several Democratic elected officials, and other partisan organizations tried to make hay out of straw.
Despite the inevitability of the bill being passed I got several emails from the party saying we can fight and stop the bill and then asking for a donation. I got emails from several electeds saying they are putting up the good fight but they needed campaign contributions so they can continue the fight. I got emails from partisan organizations asking for contributions to build the party’s bench so we can take back control under the capitol dome. I didn’t think to keep track but I received at least one each day.
Now I know that perpetual fundraising is a necessity in our modern political environment…but can’t we turn off that machine for just one week and actually fight the good fight? Can’t we rally the troops…or at least rally WITH the troops and get our message out without having our hand out?
Well said. DPW demonstrated no real leadership during this “right to work” push, and only used it as a fundraising opportunity. Quite despicable, but seems to be par for the course lately with current leadership.
Well said, and it’s especially disappointing when I think the elected Dems did well in laying things out and coherently explaining how work-for-less hurts our economy. But Tate and DPW leadership are only about asking for names to ask for money, instead of standing up for IDEAS AND BEING WITH WORKING PEOPLE.
Compare this to the hundreds on the streets of Madison today asking questions and demanding justice after an unarmed black kid is shot to death. How can’t the DPW do real outreach like that and express ideas to the public?
This is exactly why the consultant-based Tate/Rae group needs to be out of party leadership. They can stick with the fundraising side, but they should have no role in the messaging and action side
We’re back to the consultant class. Conventional wisdom is to hit people up while they’re riled up and they’re more likely to pony up. It’s crass and low rent, especially when the outcome isn’t in questions.
I think an empty balcony in the chamber is more symbolic. Talking about “stopping” this is delusional and also disturbing, that “stopping” this is a strategy of democrats.
I’m sure glad someone noticed this. I was completely repulsed by the multiple emailings each day over the past few weeks that insinuated that my small $3 donation could help assure a victory for the good guys. Thanks again, Mike Tate!
it doesn’t take any talent, just a lack of conscience to provide an e-mail list or phone numbers of potential donors.
I read Capper’s post about the WFP coming here with interest. While I think they mishandled the Zephyr Teachout non-endorsement, I applaud their focus on down-ballot races and their Progressive platform. Food for thought as we witness this new DPW low of exploitative fundraising.