Citizen Action Weekend ’26 Newsletter, Friday, August 7th: Get Out The Vote for Primary!
Work for Citizen Action of Wisconsin
Why we vote on Tuesday, August 11th!
If you want to help get Francesca Hong over the top on August 11th please join us for member phone banks this Saturday, and Sunday.
Citizen Action Driftless Organizing Coop Update: Getting Out and Meeting the People
I owe you three weeks of updates because I’ve been out meeting people.
A few weeks ago, I tabled at the Monroe County Fair. No matter where you stand on the Bible/balloon animal giveaways, the pro-life movement, or the NRA, a county fair with tables dedicated to all three isn’t traditionally progressive territory. It was exactly the kind of place we need to show up. It wasn’t always easy talking with folks who aren’t used to being exposed to our ideas, but showing up mattered. More than once, someone walked by, leaned in, and whispered, “Thanks for being here.” Those moments are exactly why we go to places like this
This week I attended the Monroe County Democrats’ monthly meeting to introduce myself, Citizen Action, and our work around healthcare, climate, and politics. 25 people showed up for a mid-summer meeting! That’s a group doing serious work, and I’m excited to build on that relationship.
Back in La Crosse, Steven, Suzanne, Kristie, and I have been knocking on doors as part of our listening campaign. We’re having real conversations with neighbors about the affordability issues hitting them hardest. Meanwhile, Steven, Laurel, Peg, Lori, Kelly, and I have been putting in hours of member-to-member phone banking talking about our organizing, listening to them about what they care about, and letting them know about our endorsed candidates Corrine Hendrickson in SD 17 and Francesca Hong for Governor.
Which brings me to the most important thing in this newsletter: election day is Tuesday, August 11th. We are in crunch time. We are phone banking this Saturday, August 8th from 10-12 and Sunday, August 9th from 2-4. Email me at aron.newberry@citizenactionwi.org to receive the invite. Every call matters.
Finally, we will be hosting an election watch party and celebration at Earls Saloon from 7-11 PM. Please stop in and join us downtown at 401 3rd St S, La Crosse And don’t forget to vote!
Attend a $20 Minimum Wage Town Hall
Join the Wisconsin Living Wage Coalition, Citizen Action of Wisconsin, and other allies for an upcoming $20 Minimum Wage Town Hall near you.
Hear from local residents about their daily struggle to make ends meet at less than $20/hour. Learn more about the current state legislation and find out how you can get involved and help make $20 a reality in 2027!
RSVP for Milwaukee Town Hall on Wednesday, August 19th, 6pm.
See image below with clickable RSVP links for other events.
WATCH: Why the Political Consultants are Wrong: Francesca Hong is the Most Electable Candidate.
By: Robert Kraig, executive director, Citizen Action of Wisconsin
In the stretch run to the critical Wisconsin primary for governor on Tuesday August 11, anonymous “Democratic strategists” in the news media are doing everything they can to scare thoughtful progressives about the “electability” of Francesca Hong.
These claims come from self-interested people who profit from the big money politics which are blocking the bold reforms Wisconsin desperately needs. Francesca Hong and the movement she had built is an existential threat to their business model.
Many of you, even if you already support Hong, hear these concerns from thoughtful people who want the best for our state. To help clear the air from these misleading claims, and arm you with the facts, I recorded a video where I make the case that establishment Democratic strategists are wrong and Francesca Hong is the most electable candidate for governor.
Citizen Action in the News
Progressive journalist Conor Lynch wrote an excellent piece this week for Truthdig which explores why Franchesca Hong has rocketed to the top of the Democratic governor primary field, and why primary voters are turning against political as usual in the Democratic Party.
It cites Citizen Action’s grassroots endorsement process, and also discusses the impact of her campaign on achieving a Democratic trifecta with Citizen Action Executive Director Robert Kraig.
Citizen Action’s Robert Kraig was on the Jeff Santos Show to discuss the latest developments in the Wisconsin Governors primary.
Watch the interview here (@ 1 hour 35 minute mark of video)
Listen to“Keeping the throttle twisted towards the primary election” Battleground Wisconsin Podcast
Following the tick report where we learn, in the words of a CDC scientist, that “the ticks are winning,” we discuss a new study finding wildfire smoke is now the primary pollutant negatively affecting pregnancy. Climate change, including increased heat, extended drought, and a thirsty atmosphere, has been a key driver in increasing the risk and extent of wildfires and the spike in tick borne illnesses.
In a rather surprising development, former disgraced New York City mayor Erick Adams shows up to central Wisconsin to shill for data centers, and is booed by local residents. Whose brilliant idea was it to hire the corrupt Adams as a pitchman for Big Tech’s AI binge?
Investing in public education and phasing out the private voucher school program jumped onto center stage in the governor’s race this week. Francesca Hong’s commitment to wind down the voucher program which is draining resources from our public schools made headlines in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. The newspaper also reports that Hong was the only candidate who agreed to discuss school funding plans in detail with reporters. Kudos to Hong for demonstrating her commitment to be open and honest with the public about her plans for the largest item in the state budget.
We discuss the public debate in the 3rd Congressional District on if it is appropriate for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (the political arm of the House Democrats) to intervene in the primary elections on behalf of Rebecca Cooke, raising concerns of closed door decisions that disempower voters. Robert discusses parallel concerns about Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee and Senate Democratic Campaign Committee interventions in Assembly District 21 and Senate District 17 races. We also react to news that Tom Tiffany raised $4 million of his $5 million cash on hand from three billionaires.
We close with a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel investigation finding half of ICE flights conducted by Appleton-based Air Wisconsin are using Milwaukee Mitchell as its hub. Also, Robert tells us if it matters that two federal court decisions block the Trump Regime from rescinding billions in climate change grants.
We urge our listeners in the Milwaukee area to attend our $20 Minimum Wage Town Hall, Wednesday, August 19th, 6pm. Click here for more details and to RSVP
Listen to the show.
Vote Tuesday, August 11th for Citizen Action endorsed Primary Election candidates.
Read more about Citizen Action’s endorsement of Francesca Hong, Emily Berge for Congress, and other state legislative candidates.
If you want to help get Francesca Hong over the top on August 11th please join us for member phone banks this Saturday, and Sunday.
