Progressive Majority makes a splash

At the risk of painting a target on Progressive Majority and its candidates, the success that organization had it Tuesday's local elections deserves mention.

Progressive Majority, a national group with a Wisconsin affiliate that helps recruit candidates and give them the tools and skills they need to get elected, is beginning to have a real impact in Wisconsin. And you can't fly under the radar forever. Here's their report, from an e-mail to their supporters:

Wisconsin voters proved that progressive values are winning values in Tuesday's spring elections. Over a dozen Progressive Majority candidates were elected to local offices all over the state. Meet a new generation of progressive leaders in Wisconsin.

Highlights from Yesterday's Election

With help from Progressive Majority, Larry Nelson overcame the critics and the odds when he won his election to Mayor of Waukesha. By outworking his conservative opponent, he won 53% of the vote in a city that went overwhelmingly for George W. Bush in 2004.

Celestine Jeffreys
The Green Bay City Council looks a little more like the people it represents now that community activist Celestine Jeffreys has been elected. The twelve-member council will finally have a woman and a person of color among its members.

Ken Hall
In Racine, Ken Hall defeated the county board chair--a twelve year incumbent--with 52% of the vote. Hall's victory gives Racine an influx of new ideas and fresh energy to meet the challenges of one of Wisconsin's fastest growing counties.

Trish Cummins
Trish Cummins was the top vote-getter in a race against two long time incumbents in the Eau Claire School Board election. Community activist and mother of three, Cummins is an enthusiastic, progressive champion of public education.

Jef Hall
Winnebago County welcomed a new progressive voice when it elected Jef Hall to the County Board. Hall claimed 56% of the vote to beat a conservative incumbent and change the direction of government in the Fox Valley. [He also has a blog, Jef4Wi. -- Xoff.]


Ten More Winners

* Don Nielsen takes a seat on the Racine School Board
* The Dane County Board has a new face in Shelia Stubbs
* Thomas Rauk joins the La Crosse County Board
* The Eau Claire County Board adds James Dunning
* Maureen Freedland retains her spot on the La Crosse County Board
* Brown County has a Board member who represents everyone in Adam Warpinski
* Kerry Kincaid remains on the Eau Claire City Council
* The Brown County Board keeps Jack Krueger
* And Jennifer Bishop earned a spot on the Rock County Board

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