Decorate the State Capitol Christmas Tree

Governor Scott Walker

The Governor invites all teachers, parents, youth and others across Wisconsin to help decorate the 2016 State Capitol Christmas tree. This year’s theme is Wisconsin Wildlife. “One of the many reasons Wisconsin remains a popular tourism destination is our magnificent wildlife,” Governor Walker said. “With the help of our students, we want this year’s State Capitol Christmas tree to reflect the beauty of our great state.”

Ornaments symbolizing Wisconsin wildlife will be displayed on the 2016 State Capitol Christmas Tree. Anyone interested in sending Wisconsin Wildlife-themed ornaments to decorate the tree should make their submissions by Wednesday, Nov. 23. Send Wisconsin Wildlife-themed ornaments to: Claire Franz, Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Facilities Management, 17 W. Main St., Suite 119, Madison, WI 53703.

Source: Walker press release

Senator Tammy Baldwin

Senator Baldwin announced that she has led a bipartisan group of women senators in introducing legislation to commemorate the centennial of the passage and ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted American women the right to vote. The Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission Act creates a commission charged with planning and executing programs, projects and activities to commemorate the 100th anniversary of this critical step forward in our democracy. “Today, women vote at higher rates than men, more than 300 women have served as members of Congress and for the first time, a woman has been selected as a major party’s presidential nominee,” said Baldwin. “We still have more work to do, more glass ceilings to break, but it is important to celebrate this monumental anniversary and all the progress that women have made in the last 100 years. The Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission will ensure that the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment receives the celebration and recognition it deserves.” The Commission would be composed of 14 members, with two appointed each by the President, Speaker of the House, House Minority Leader, Senate Majority Leader and Senate Minority Leader, along with the Librarian of Congress, Archivist of the United States, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and Director of the National Park Service.

Source: Baldwin press release

Senator Ron Johnson

Senator Johnson stuck by Donald Trump in a debate on Oct. 14 without actually saying the presidential candidate’s name. Referring to Trump as “our Republican nominee,” Johnson said he supports him on a number of issues, including securing the border and fighting the Islamic State terrorist group. Democratic opponent, former Sen. Russ Feingold, challenged Johnson to renounce Trump, who’s been battered by accusations of sexual misbehavior. Trump has denied the allegations. “This is one of these times where you have to be an American first, not a politician running for office, not a Republican or Democrat, but an American who’s worried about the future of our great country,” Feingold said. “I’ve not been shy in disagreeing with our candidate, with our nominee. I’m not going to defend the indefensible.” Johnson said during the debate.

Source: The Associated Press

President Barack Obama

Former Attorney General Eric Holder will chair a new umbrella group focused on redistricting reform, with the aim of taking on the gerrymandering that’s left the Democratic Party behind in statehouses and made winning a House majority far more difficult. The new group, called the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, was developed in close consultation with the White House. President Barack Obama himself has now identified the group, which will coordinate campaign strategy, direct fundraising, organize ballot initiatives and put together legal challenges to state redistricting maps, as the main focus of his political activity once he leaves office. Though initial plans to be active in this year’s elections fell short, the group has been incorporated as a 527, with Democratic Governors Association executive director Elizabeth Pearson as its president and House Majority PAC executive director Ali Lapp as its vice president. They’ve been pitching donors and aiming to put together its first phase action plan for December, moving first in the Virginia and New Jersey state elections next year and with an eye toward coordination across gubernatorial, state legislative and House races going into the 2018 midterms. “American voters deserve fair maps that represent our diverse communities, and we need a coordinated strategy to make that happen,” Holder said. “This unprecedented new effort will ensure Democrats have a seat at the table to create fairer maps after 2020.”

Source: politico.com