Wisconsin has just one swing district, the 3rd. The partisan lean is R+9 and Trump beat Biden there by 4.7 points. When conservative Democrat Ron Kind retired in 2022, the DCCC insisted on running a conservative clone, GOP-lite Blue Dog Brad Pfaff, who, predictably, lost to Republican Derrick Van Orden, a J-6 coup participant. Pfaff’s conservatism failed to turn out enough Democratic base voters in blue strongholds like LaCrosse, Eau Claire and Portage counties or in swing counties like Vernon, Chippewa and Crawford, to counter the big GOP wins in rural counties like Grant, Wood, Monroe, Dunn, Pierce, etc.
So what did the DCCC learn? Exactly what they always learn from their defeats: nothing. They’re backing another conservative GOP-lite Blue Dog, this time Rebecca Cooke. The other two Democrats in the race are progressive Eric Wilson and former progressive-turned-not-progressive careerist Katrina Shankland, a disappointing state legislator. Wilson, for example, is the only candidate running on Medicare-for-All, which is very popular in the district, and for responsible gun ownership. He’s also the only candidate running against Israel’s genocidal agenda in Gaza. He brings it up at forums and ran a districtwide homemade, consultant-free TV spot on MSNBC. We asked Wilson to talk about that contrast between himself and the other candidates. If you agree and would like to see him win the primary and replace Van Orden in Congress, please consider clicking here and contributing to his campaign.
America At A Crossroads— Standing Up For Humanity
-by Eric Wilson
We are fighting battles on multiple fronts, in Israel and Gaza, and here in America. We are seeing it across the nation as younger generations stand up and ask leadership why? Why are we being complicit in the killing of so many? I, like many, believe in supporting our allies but also holding them accountable in how our resources are being used.
Genocide is not merely an event in history; it is a devastating crime that echoes through generations. The impact of such atrocities is profound, with survivors carrying the weight of their trauma, often in silence. The international community has a responsibility to prevent genocide, to hold perpetrators accountable, and to ensure that "never again" is more than just a phrase—it is a commitment to action.
In advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza, we acknowledge the long-term impact of systematic violence and oppression. We recognize that true peace is not just the absence of war but the presence of justice, dignity, and equality. The road to peace is paved with accountability, reconciliation, and the recognition of the rights and humanity of all people.
That is the crossroads we are currently at as a country and as a world. Are we going to stand up and push back on the relentless forces of destruction and hate? Or are we going to sit down and turn our backs on other humans? I know which one I’m doing. I got into this race because of killing in our own country and that's why I’m talking about the difficult issues of gun ownership, calling for a ceasefire, and healthcare for all.
This year has more significance than people realize, we are electing new leadership and representation. The results of the upcoming elections will determine how we move forward as a society. The reality is things are going to continue to get more difficult and if we don’t have people that are willing to lean into the conflict and take on difficult things head on, we are going to continue to crumble.
How we tackle the problems abroad, starts with how we handle problems here at home. More chaos is not the answer and the current representative Derrick Van Orden is just that. He’s a hot head who at the beginning of the conflict, went on a rogue “fact finding” mission by himself instead of leaving it to our military and intelligence leaders. He continues to sew chaos— “Bottom line: The world is a much more dangerous place under President Biden. My prayers are with the Israeli people and our hostages being held by savages.” His complete disregard for others and their situation underlines why he should not be in a leadership position.
It’s obvious he is attacking Biden for a reason, more unchecked war means more money for Derrick. He has already gotten more than $22,000 from AIPAC.
To stop the war machine, we are going to have to put resources into candidates that actually stand on our shared values of humanity first.
I find myself questioning what we can do and I’ve come up with a few commitments I pledge to do.
Call to Action
The situation in Gaza requires our immediate attention and action.
Advocate for an Immediate Ceasefire: Work tirelessly to push for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza.
Support Humanitarian Aid: Ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need without obstruction, and support initiatives that provide relief and rebuild communities.
Promote Accountability: Call for investigations into human rights abuses and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Champion Human Rights: Stand firm in our commitment to human rights and work towards policies that promote peace, justice, and equality for all.
As things continue to unfold and we get more information, I ask, that in whatever way you can stand up, now is the time to stand up. Join those of us fighting for what is right.