On both the state and federal levels, those backed by people power, rather than donors are both more likely to win the general, and to have better policies in office. I also believe that offering the people of Wisconsin permanent affordability will deal fascist creep Republicans a more permanent defeat.

This article might instead be called “If It Is Bipartisan, It Is Probably Bad.” We will talk about some of the examples where a Republican came around and did a good thing, but in our political climate we should all take pause anytime someone refers to a piece of legislation that actually passes as “bipartisan.”

At the Congressional District 4 convention in March, Gwen Moore said there is no genocide in Gaza while arguing against a party resolution supporting Block the Bombs. 

She also watered down language in another resolution opposing the terror of immigration enforcement, and local coordination with ICE, known as 287(g).

Mittness has pledged to fight to improve the lives of working-class Wisconsinites in his district and throughout the state by fighting for affordability, progressive taxation, and to improve carceral, healthcare, and childcare systems while strengthening union rights and power.

There is an opportunity here. If we put effort into it, we can shift the priorities of the Democratic Party, marginalizing corporate centrists, Islamophobic bigots, and other regressive elites, turning the party closer to left populism or democratic socialism, and then actually delivering on campaign promises.

Political institutions should center the people with less power, even when doing so is inconvenient for party leaders, donors, campaigns or candidates. Uncertainty may complicate their responsibility. It does not erase it.

Our ability to protect people and the environment is hamstrung by pro-corporate powers, and the ability to meaningfully oppose those powers is unfortunately limited, even for politicians.

Juliana Bennett is running in AD76. That district covers the east side of Madison. It leans deep blue (+76 Democrat). This is the district Francesca Hong is leaving to run for governor.

Steven Doelder is running in State Senate District 11 in Southeast Wisconsin. SD11 leans deep red (+28 Republican), but it is an open seat because Stephen Nass is retiring.