JEFF SMITH

 

 

Fighting Bob Fest Founder Ed Garvey Endorses

           Jeff Smith for State Party Chair

   Fighting Bob Fest founder Ed Garvey announced his support today for Jeff Smith’s candidacy to be the next State Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.

In a statement, Garvey said:

“I think Jeff Smith is the candidate who will take the Democratic Party of Wisconsin out of the hands of the big dollar consultants and put it back where it belongs, in the hands of its members. If I was going to the convention in Milwaukee on June 6th Jeff would have my vote for State Party Chair. “

Garvey is a former Democratic candidate for both United States Senate and  Governor of Wisconsin, and is the founder of Fighting Bob Fest, the largest annual  gathering of progressives in the country.

“I’m really honored to have Ed’s endorsement “said Smith. “ Over the last 35 years there’s been no greater champion of progressive principles and values in Wisconsin than Ed Garvey. “

 

 

 Mike McCabe:

"Quite a few people who presumably are card-carrying members of DPW and are planning to attend the convention in June have asked me which of the announced candidates for state party chair best embodies the ideas in my book Blue Jeans in High Places. That would be Jeff Smith, by a longshot. Jeff knows how to relate to people in rural areas of the state that used to elect Democrats but now prefer the GOP. He not only knows how to talk to them, he’s shown he can win their trust and has been elected to represent voters in areas that have become so bright red. I can’t say I will vote for Jeff because I don’t have a vote in this election. I am not a party member and will not be a delegate at the convention. But I can say that Jeff Smith is without question the most “blue jean” of the candidates for state chair."

 

 

Former Representative Kristen Dexter:

"The first time I ever saw Jeff Smith was in 2004 as he was leaving an election night watch party after losing his election against Rep. Kreibich. On every election night for the last decade and the hundreds of days in between, Jeff has shown up as a candidate, legislator, supporter or friend. That persistence and drive paid off when Jeff turned that defeat around and won in 2006.  Jeff has spent the last decade tirelessly defining what leadership is. He's been uplifted by victory and strengthened by loss. He's run campaigns on shoestring budgets and outperformed well-funded candidates. He's ruffled feathers and been a bridge builder. He knows the value of teamwork.

I'm supporting Jeff Smith for Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin because I am certain of his loyalty and dedication to progressive values. Jeff is invested in cultivating and encouraging new leadership all around the state. He knows our future leaders are at this very moment volunteering in their grandchildrens' schools, getting ready to plant spring crops, studying for college finals, and growing family businesses. I'm supporting Jeff because I know he's keenly aware of what's going on politically today, but that he also has the long view and will work together with anyone to rebuild a foundation of progressive principles in this great but foundering state."

Kristen Dexter, State Representative 2009-2011, State Senatorial candidate 2012

 

“I support Jeff Smith's DPW Chair candidacy because he shares my values.....values that he pursues with a remarkable combination of idealism and determination (hard work). Jeff has inspired me, and many others to stay in the fight, to pool our skills and become actively involved in rebuilding and re-inventing progressive, caring communities and a progressive, caring Wisconsin.”

Eleanor Wolf, Citizen Action 2014 Activist of the Year

 

"Reclaiming a majority in our state legislature and in our Federal representation calls for new strategies in organizing and messaging across the state. I support Jeff Smith for DPW Chair because no other candidate has his track record of taking a Progressive message to his northern rural and now gerrymandered district and winning more votes than every other Democrat on the ballot, including President Obama. Twice."  

Melanie Franklin, 3rd CD Chair 2007-2013

 

"With a proven record of outreach to the electorate, Jeff Smith embodies the grassroots activism that will address Wisconsin's flagging Democracy movement. We will always be outspent, but our message is true. Jeff is able to articulate the Democratic Party platform in a way that makes it personal and accessible for everyday voters."  

Tammy Tollefson, Pierce County Democratic Party secretary & past-chair.

 

"I am proud to endorse Jeff Smith for DPW Chair.  Jeff has "paid his dues" in committing to the ideas we progressives want and deserve here in Wisconsin.  He has the experience, the know how, and the background of serving in the WI Assembly.  I have known Jeff for many years and know him to be honest, caring and hard working.  We need Jeff Smith as Chair of DPW."

Gaylord Oppegard, Chair of the Jackson County Democratic Party

 

Matthew said: "As a delegate I cannot see myself voting for anyone other than Jeff Smith. I hope my fellow Progressives feel the same as I do on this very important matter at this most pivotal time."

 

From WisconsinVictorious blog: "In my occasionally humble opinion I would recommend Jeff Smith as being the most talented, the best suited to lead the DPW forward.  Jeff is a true progressive and a critical and creative thinker, he is the kind of talent that Wisconsin sorely needs right now."

 

 

Linda Wyeth said: "After giving it a lot of thought, I am planning to support Jeff Smith. He is a smart, hard-working PROGRESSIVE."

 

From Karen McKim: "Jeff Smith has more experience talking politics than most of us ever will. He believes that our neighborhood political conversations are better focus groups than those manufactured by political consultants, and that in our own informal focus groups we can learn why our neighbors believe what they believe and—yes—counteract misinformation. His advice for productive political conversation: Establish trust by listening to find the common ground."

 

Tracy Radunzel says "...I will back someone like Jeff Smith every time, because I KNOW he has busted his hump for years and years, knocking on thousands of doors, not only for himself, but for a plethora of other area candidates and causes. He has served admirably in the Assembly for multiple terms. He has his truck set up for discussion along busy areas in the district expressly to speak with constituents who want to know his opinions on everything in the political landscape. He listens, he connects, he works hard, and he is a true progressive. I would much rather the state cultivate candidates and set up grassroots system under Jeff's tutelage than any other. He will be to Wisconsin what Howard Dean was to the US Dem Party, with a 72-county strategy. No bashing will come from me, I just happen to know who should be Chair- Jeff Smith."

 

Dana Green said: "I think Jeff Smith is a better choice for energizing rural Dems. This is where we are hurting."

 

Buffy Riley: "Jeff Smith would have my vote!"

 

From Barron County Democratic Party Facebook page: "Thank you Jeff for being there and speaking up. You are a leader!"

 

Steve Carlson, regarding the "Right to Work" battle:  "I've seen a lot of comments on blogs and social media from people wondering where the DPW is in all of this. Looks like DPW Chair candidate Jeff Smith is right in the middle of it. That's called 'walking the walk'."

 

Pat Allen said: "Jeff, when elected head of DPW, will bring the leadership that we need, the new voice, energy, and enthusiasm that we need."

 

From Eric: "He is a good man who fights and fights and fights for Wisconsin. Thank you Jeff Smith."

 

Judy said: "Jeff Smith is a man of integrity who will lead the ENTIRE Democratic Party of Wisconsin, not just the southern third. Best to you, Jeff!"

 

Carol McDonald says: " Jeff Smith is the only one who's vision for the party is solidly populist and progressive. The other candidates have since followed suit, but it is his vision. Better messaging. Full time field organizers. Money and support for candidates. And now the other candidates are morphing to emulate his ideas."

 

And Nan Lambert said this: "I'll tell you what gang - I have known Jeff Smith for a while now - via the recalls/elections. HE IS THE REAL DEAL. He listens to people like me who refuse to participate/join in the DPW because of the BS in recent years. If anyone can turn things around for this sorry-a$$ state party - it is Jeff."

 

Dee Ives

" One either advocates for the will of the people, genuine popular sovereignty; or one is a defender of the corporate agenda, there is no middle ground. I would ask the progressives inside the Blue tent; and please be honest with yourselves as you answer to your own satisfaction; is there a genuine populist running for the Blue chair? My answer is that Jeff Smith is the only candidate within spitting distance of that description. We can continue to re-arrange the deck chairs on the Lusitania; or we can strip the current leadership of the party, corporatist to a fault. of their control and start the long pilgrimage towards making the DP a political formation that honestly and sincerely represents the will of the electorate. Or we can allow the party leadership to continue to pimp the American people every two years, as it protects its incumbency, its prestige, its paychecks, and its access to corporate power."

 

 

 Jim Camery, Chair for Pierce County Democrats.

 

I often introduce myself at Dem conventions as being from a county where I can see Minnesota from my back deck. That's only partially true -- I can see St. Paul, actually, and everything I know about WI comes from the Minneapolis/St. Paul media (they're building a new stadium!).

That's important to know because I wonder if the perspective from outside the Madison/Milwaukee axis has sometimes gotten lost in DPW strategizing and brand-building and ignored in tactical campaigning. Everytime I hear Mike McCabe speak he reinforces that outstate can't win without Madison and Madison can't win without outstate. Some campaigns get it: Obama and Baldwin won in Pierce County, but the Burke campaign failed. The commonalities are that Obama/Baldwin adapted their tactics to the local terrain while the Burke campaign looked the same in rural Ellsworth as it did in Madison.

I'm supporting Jeff because I'm confident that he understands that we can't win statewide unless we learn to adapt our tactics and messaging to the audience. We have our statewide core values, but we're also a coalition of a lot of different viewpoints. In my working with Jeff on progressive issues over the past decade, I've seen how he appreciates the importance of micro-messaging and fine-tuning on-the-ground tactics to fit the community. His emphasis on this, along with his ability to motivate others, would be welcome in the Chair's office.

 

 

Carol Mcdonald:

I am here to tell you why I am voting for Jeff Smith. Jeff Smith lives in Eau Claire on the western side of the state.

Jeff has business experience. He took his family’s 2 man business and built it into a 22 man operation.

Jeff has experience as an organizer. As an advocate for education he led to put a $40 million dollar referendum on the ballot. At the same time he led his neighbors in a campaign to overturn a zoning decision and preserve farmland in their town.

As Town Chair he gained valuble insight about the vital importance of local control. and municiple governing.

In 2004 Jeff decided the only way to affect policy was to get involved at a higher level, in state politcs. In his first legislative campaign the ADCC recruited and supported another Democrat. Jeff won the primary but lost to a 14 year and well liked incumbent Republican by only 2 percentage points. It was a learning experience.

In 2006 Jeff ran again, against the same incumbent who now was armed with a largest war chest of any assembly member at the time. The Democratic ADCC did not support Jeff’s candicacy. Running his own cost effective, grassroots campaign network Jeff won the election with 60% of the vote.

In 2011, again without ADCC support he lost his seat by only 74 votes. So you see--- every vote matters.

He has served as EauClaire County Democratic Party Chair. And as the organizing Regional Political Director. He’s been a champion and organizing progressive labor leader.

Jeff Smith has a plan to win back the state. It starts by working with the new leaders of the County Chairs Association in providing support and training to hone the skills of our county party officers.

His plan calls for a compelling public outreach program directing county parites and volunteers to aid citizens, help them attain their voting IDs and complete voter registration.

He is collaborating with Scott Wittkopf, leader in framing to set up training across the state and provide sustainable support so that all legislative districts have the tools to develop better messaging.

Jeff’s plan provides dollars and support for candidates. He knows how to use campaign dollars smarter, gettting more results for every dollar spent. His staff will outline the process and steps required to run for office, offer support and instruction to help create a budget and plan to help candidates achieve those goals.

He will hire training staff to travel across Wisconsin to develop, coach and mentor new candidates, campaign managers and effective volunteer staff at locations throughout the state. Webinars, study literature will be made available online.

He will establish field offices in the four corners of the state to be open throughout the year, not just before elections. The GOP never stops campaigning after an election and neither will we.

His plan will create a standardized but customizable, easy to navigate website template for all the county parties to use, with information updates, press releases, talking points and other pertinent information issued from party headquarters so everyone is communicating the brand, the values and the message in unison and in force.

Jeff Smith has experience at all levels of government. From small business owner to town chair to community activist, labor leader and legislator. He has the experience, the people skills and a track record building consensus, getting legislation passed and getting things done. He brings honesty and respect. And the demand for transparency.

Jeff Smith also brings people like me, a fresh group of engaged and progressive activists back to the party. We are the ones who are ready, willing and able to activate, knock on doors, make phone calls, write letters and campaign to win elections. We will help build a stronger party than ever before. Things need to change. We need to re-embrace our progressive values, to re-engage disenfranchised and apathetic voters and give them something to vote for. That is how we’re going to win elections.

And that’s why I support Jeff Smith for DPW Chair."

 

Matthew Schauenburg:   "In my occasionally humble opinion I would recommend Jeff Smith as being the most talented, the best suited to lead the DPW forward.  Jeff is a true progressive and a critical and creative thinker, he is the kind of talent that Wisconsin sorely needs right now."

 

This is one of the most important times for our party in the State of Wisconsin. There are many critical issues that will come to pass in the coming years. Now more than ever we need a strong leader and a united party. Jeff Smith is the only candidate who can deliver both. 

In all the years I have known Jeff Smith I have seen him exemplify thoughtfulness in people and legislation, honesty, fairness, vision, hope and most of all integrity. Jeff is by all definitions a progressive leader and that is what our divided party needs.

As an example of Jeff being a driver and consensus builder, I want to share a quick story. I first met Jeff while I was working as a news anchor at WQOW, News 18. At the time, I was on a mission to end the abusive practices in the mass breeding of dogs in our state. I met with several local lawmakers with the same concern. Jeff not only took notice; he took action. 

 To give you just a little more context, an organization called No Wisconsin Puppy Mill had been working with lawmakers for more than ten years - trying to get legislation passed (to end the horrid treatment of dogs in our state). In just one year, Jeff was able to bring organizations to the table that had refused to work together in the past. He then crafted legislation that passed unanimously on both sides of the isle. The legislation, Act 90, would begin to regulate mass dog breeding in our state. 

I tell you this story because, as a journalist at the time, I was taken aback by the genuine interest Jeff had in the outcome of this problem. I also tell you this because I have never seen a lawmaker get so many diverse groups to work together effectively and efficiently. 

I know firsthand how important it is to have a united party.  In working as a press secretary in the gubernatorial recall elections for Senator Kathleen Vinehout, I was dismayed to see the depth of division inside our party at a time when we needed unity and leadership.

I am asking you to think seriously about the future of the DPW.  I am asking you to take a look at how we can once again come together and work side by side with people and ideals we take pride in.  I ask for you to take an honest look at who Jeff Smith is and the unity he can once again bring the Democratic Party here in Wisconsin. He’s not big money; he is a fair, honest, hardworking politician who is of and for the people. 

Jamie Paige