Anyone know anything about Greater Wisconsin Political Fund?

[HereSince1628]

I find their giant postcard mailer listing my name with 12 neighbors names, addresses and voting history in past elections is WAY too novel and not just a little bit creepy.

[snacker]

1. We just got the same one.

It is a little weird, but looks like they are trying to encourage people to get their neighbors to vote. I guess that's not such a bad thing.

[HereSince1628]

2. Here's the text, this is beyond a little creepy it borders on intimidating

Dear registered voter

Scott Walker won in 2010 because too many people stayed home!

<snip>

We are sending this mailing to you and your neighbors to publicize who does and does not vote.

<snip>

After the June 5th election, public records will tell everyone who voted and who didn't.

Do your civic duty-vote and remind your neighbors to vote.

(List of names, addresses and voting history follows)

[HereSince1628]

3. Re: Greater Wisconsin Committee...

The Greater Wisconsin Committee doesn't talk much about what it does. It has no website and apparently no general membership recruitment. A memo from the GWC posted at wispolitics.com and dated May 1, 2006, describes the group as tax-exempt, independent and issue-oriented, with a mission to "educate and mobilize Wisconsin residents on important economic, health, social and environmental issues."

The group has listed Democratic political kingmaker and blogger Bill Christofferson as its "general media consultant." Michelle McGrorty, GWC executive director, didn't return a call seeking updated information. A former fund-raiser for convicted state Sen. Chuck Chvala, McGrorty testified under immunity about illegal fund-raising activities during the state Capitol caucus investigation.

GWC runs a political action committee that has made some independent expenditures. But most of its money is spent on issue ads — an estimated $4.6 million in 2006, including attacks on Van Hollen, gubernatorial challenger Mark Green, and a handful of GOP legislative candidates. In 2007, it spent an estimated $400,000 on issue ads benefiting Linda Clifford.

The source of most of that cash remains undisclosed, but McCabe's group traced $1.1 million in 2005 and 2006 to the Democratic Governors Association, another $800,000 to the Democratic Attorney Generals Association, and some $1.7 million to unions, wealthy individuals and corporations.

[AllyCat]

37. They did an issue ad against Walker during the 2010 election.

I know because I was in it. Legitimate group. It's a PAC, pure and simple and for once, it is one on our side. I am not a fan of issue ads, but when I found out who it was against, I jumped at the chance. I've met Michelle and she is quite educated on the issues.

Not sure what to think of this mailer. All the info is public knowledge. It was funny because for our mailer, everyone except ONE person had voted in all the elections listed so it didn't really make their case

[dragonlady]

42. This was mentioned on WPR this afternoon

The guest political science professor said it is based on recent studies that show if people know their voting history is available to others, they tend to vote more. Of the names that I recognize on the postcards we got, they lean Democratic.

[arjaywis]

4. Invasive

The organization does have a website:
http://www.greaterwisfund.com/

While I may agree with most of their philosophy and aims, I greatly resent the invasive and annoying tactic of this recent mailer. I don't much enjoy having my name and address included in a piece sent to the world at large.

They dropped the ball on this one and should reconsider. There is a place, noted on the mailer, to respond -"if you feel it to be in error." I intend to voice my discontent - and include a link to this thread.

[Skinner]

10. Welcome to DU, arjaywis.

[xoff]

5. Website

http://www.greaterwisconsin.org/

[Skinner]

11. Welcome to DU, xoff.

Thanks for the link.

[dragonlady]

12. To Xoff, one of the board members of Greater Wisconsin

Xoff, many of us have admired your work for Democratic causes over the years, but this was a huge mistake. I think Greater Wisconsin should issue a public apology and make clear that this was not connected in any way with the Barrett and Mitchell campaigns.

[Poiuyt]

6. I didn't like it either - too Big Brotherish

They say the data comes directly from the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board so I guess it's public record, but it's still creepy.

[ms.helle]

7. My name is listed on the flyers sent in our neighborhood

I'm the only one on the list that is listed as having missed an election - but I did vote that year - under a different name. I got married a couple of months before the election and changed my name at the polls. I don't appreciate being singled out - especially with the address listed. It is more than a bit creepy.

[colbey]

8. are we SURE they're basically Democratic?

i just read mine too. it's been sitting there since the mail was delivered, and i finally got around to turning it over.

unbelievable. as if the flyers down here in janesville weren't bad enough. this makes me angry enough to think i won't volunteer on monday to go door-to-door. (which is why i kinda wonder'd if it was a republican/tea party group, hoping for just that effect.)

i've been concerned about the recall sigs being so public for awhile, and now this. i've been thinking some action needs to occur (after the hubbub of the recalls), and i'm even more convinced of that now. but i'm just a lowly peon, with no lawyer friends or legal connections, so my ideas won't get anywhere.

anyway, this is outrageous. i do vote, but that's MY business. further, the rest of the text of the flyer alerts those who receive it as to how i likely voted. one could assume they're only including "likely obama supporters" (which i was not, btw), but how do we know? as a matter of fact, HOW did they know which voters' names to pull off the big list and include in their little "kick the people most likely to support us" game??

[AllyCat]

38. Please volunteer on Monday colbey.

GWC is a legitimate, progressive PAC. This is one group among many who may have crossed the line. Please don't hold it against all the other people working to get Walker out of office. I certainly see your point about the mailer (we really didn't like it when they publicized everyone who signed the recall petition), but it is public info.

Please volunteer and vote!

Welcome to DU!

[PeaceNikki]

9. From a discussion on FB

http://www.facebook.com/recalldarling/posts/364823916906192

"I got a piece of mail today from the Greater Wisconsin Political Fund. It says, "Dear Registered Voter: Who votes is public record!" They state that they are taking a new approach and publicizing who does and does not vote. Then it lists my neighbors by name and address and whether or not they voted in 08 and 10. I thought wth? Who could possibly try to intimidate voters like this so I googled them. Imagine my surprize at what I found. Greater WI political fund was established by the Greater WI Committee http://www.greaterwisconsin.org/ which is a liberal grassroots organization. What were they thinking? This is the kind of crap that the Verify the Recall idiots do....the worse part is that it could have been done very positively....call out to folks to remind their neighbors to vote. BTW, the only guy who didn't vote in both elections has been dead since early 2008. Bet his widow is just thrilled to see him listed as a non-voter. "

"This type of thing, the actions of the verify people and Janesville people truly sends shivers down my spine. I don't care which party does it. These kinds of actions create the kind of atmosphere so many died to overcome in Europe during WWII. Rather than cultivating strong bonds between neighbors, they cultivate an attitude of fear."

"They revealed the full name and address of a domestic violence victim (acquaintance of mine) who was on the lay-low. Whatever their motives, they are ham fisted fools. Is there ANYONE in this state who can take the concerns of women seriously?"

Ugh... bad stuff.

[JimZ]

13. Concern about this topic

To my chagrin, Friday I received the flyer in the mail (mailer, not in an envelope) with my name, address, and the number of times I voted in recent years, along with listings for neighbors. No doubt, they received similar information. I thought this information was private, and if not, it should be. The Greater Wisconsin Political Fund (http://www.greaterwisconsin.org/aboutus.htm) is responsible for this. If this is supposed to encourage me to vote, it is doing the opposite. I do not believe in such strong-arm tactics and I do not endorse them. It is one thing to encourage people to vote, but the card states that "Scott Walker won in 2010 because too many people stayed home," and this makes it a political mailing, not a voter education effort, like the fine work of the League of Women Voters. At the same time, those labeled as missing the 2010 election seem implicated as causing the results of that election. The logic is not watertight. It is manipulation, and not very good manipulation at that.

[HereSince1628]

18. I feel the same way, as a tool for GOTV, embarrassment is counter-productive.

I spent most of today wondering about the basic social, mentoring, and leadership skills of the folks who thought that up.

Outside of fiction the last place I ran into that techniques was in basic training, now 40+ years ago. Before that, the only place I'd seen it was from an ancient homeroom teacher who kept a 'bad-boys & girls score board' on which he put our names and stars for each detention we earned.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

26. Could this be one of the Republican dirty tricks? Others have asked this as well.

[sybylla]

33. The fact that anyone votes or does not vote has never been private information.

Voter Rolls are public records and as such are available free for the looking at the offices of the county and sometimes municipal clerks. Copies are available to anyone who pays the cost of reproducing it.

Just like recall petitions. Just like nomination signature petitions. All are public record. Truthfully, I cannot imagine a reason they should not be public.

I mean, if I were in charge of a public school or sat on a school board in this state and I had a parent who came in to bitch about the school calendar, budgeting matters or whether there was a certain athletic program, should I take them seriously if they never voted in an election - spring or fall? Should I make their pet problem my primary concern when they can't be bothered to vote in ways that support the school in the first place?

It's amazing how many people love living in a free country until they find out everyone in their community knows they don't really care about that free country after all, or the health of their communities, how their schools are run, or even whether or not the recall a corrupt and divisive governor who has done nothing but lie since he announced he was running two years ago.

[JimZ]

39. Response to #33

Sybylla,

Thanks for your comments. It's one thing to have public records, but another to do a mailing about it, specifically one in which the message is political. That political message is that the result of the last election was due to non-voters. That presumes (1) that the number of non-voters could have swayed the outcome and that (2) the non-voters would have voted one way. As to public records and responding to the school matters, I have taught in schools, and I responded to parents and members of the community when they needed me to do so. I never waited to check to see if they voted. None of my colleagues did either. We were serving the students, and no one shifted priorities based on voting records: our concerns were about the welfare of the students.

As to a free country, it's not. A case in point is the marriage definition bill that passed in WI a few years ago. That law (abetted by Bishop Morlino in Madison through a political message that was required to be broadcast in churches at the risk of pastors facing consequences if they chose not to play it) limits the actions of LGBT community. And that law was passed under the previous governor, without any effort on the part of the community to redress the flawed process that passed the law.

A free country and the recall of the governor are separate issues, as is the mailing, which remains a point of concern.

[sybylla]

43. Kudos, Jim. I expect no less from teachers.

I wasn't speaking of teachers when I spoke of considering using voter rolls when an administrator or principal is supposed to take seriously a complaint about how the school is run or how it spends its money from someone who never votes.

But you might be able to help me understand something else.

I'm very proud of my voting record. I vote every primary, general and recall election. Yes, in my neighborhood, there is a pod of conservative idiots who keep recalling our local electeds every time they do something they don't like.

Because I'm proud of that record, I have no problem with anyone sending out an e-mail to my neighbors telling them so. WTF difference does it make to my daily life? What will it change in what I do?

Now I also suspect those who never take the time to vote won't likely be able to muster enough energy or thought on this mailing to care. If they don't care to vote, why would they care if anyone knew about it. I know too many people who are too proud of not ever getting mixed up in "dirty" politics. They think, why vote? They're all bastards anyway.

And those in the middle, who vote sometimes, I suppose they might be the only ones dislike having their record spread around. They appear to care enough to vote, but just can't get to the polls consistently.

Few people know you cannot interact with the government without leaving a record. I can find out from the government how many cars my neighbors registered, whether they have a recreational vehicle and how many, if they bought hunting or fishing licences, etc.

Both political parties along with innumerable PAC's purchase the information contained in the voter rolls every year. They use them for all manner of outreach and campaign purposes. They also purchase the other data listed above.

In the case of voting, the absence of a record says as much as having a record.

Yet, there was no threat implicit or implied in the mailing we are discussing. It stated clearly its intent...that people vote when their friends and neighbors ask them to vote.

So here's where you can help me. Explain to me how knowing whether someone votes is a problem.

[Ed Suspicious]

14. My wife received one. I was not listed on it for whatever reason.

We usually look at the political mailers and toss them out with little commentary. This one had us discussing implications and we didn't really like what we saw.

Bad, bad, bad.

[RJLange]

15. Are there different mailings?

My daughter received a similar mailing as what most of you are describing.
It has the list of neighbors and their voting record, but there is no mention
of Scott Walker. It is only a request to do your civic duty and vote. That being
said - I find it disconcerting and 'creepy' that my name is on someone else's
card with my name, address and voting record (correct or not). AND... IF
THERE ARE DIFFERENT CARDS, that mine might be on a card that may
indicate how I voted (correct or not). This is not righteous behavior for
anyone associated with either party. I am not happy with the DU and agree
with another responder that they should apologize for this lapse in judgment.

[HereSince1628]

19. I think mine was specific for this block of homes, but I don't think it's from one database

I have neighbors (he's retired navy) who are very republican and NEVER miss voting in any election. They've lived in here for at least 15 years. Their name and address didn't appear on the card.

So, I am thinking it's built on two databases. One might be the recall petitions, where names and addresses are publicly available, and the other is a database of polling attendance. I don't think it's just democratic party registrations...because when last I registered my party affiliation I was living full-time 55 miles away.

[RJLange]

17. What's your point?

I looked at the list. What's your point?
Are you suggesting the people and organizations on the list aren't 'classy'?
Are you suggesting that all Democrats aren't 'classy'?
Are you suggesting that people who contribute aren't 'classy'?
Are you suggesting that all non-democrats are 'classy'?

Stay vague Ralphy!!

[rolandgeorg]

20. Information I did find.

My parents received the same mailing and it was absolutely a concern on many levels.

I attempted to contact the fund itself and there is no one apparently answering the phones on the weekend.

I did notice however that one name appeared on the flyer; Jane Gellman. . I have no idea if its the same one, but I found a listing on-line in the white pages for a phone number for Jane Gellman, and I called to leave a message asking to speak with her with regard to the content of the mailing.

Perhaps other might search of the same info and post if you find anything

[AnotherMcIntosh]

25. One and only one name? If she is just a treasurer, this seems odd.

[bleaucheeseWI]

21. I SMELL A KOCH!!

I got this flier and several of the names besides mine can be found of the recall sig database.

It seems ridiculously timed and frankly the Dems have nothing to gain using this tactic, but the KOCHs do. It smells very fishy and I suspect Mondays right wing radio squawkers are going to have a field day with this on Monday.

[HereSince1628]

22. Check you garbage, there are some really bad things that smell like Koch.

[OKNancy]

23. true... it could be a dirty trick

just because a flyer has a name on it, doesn't mean it comes from that group.

I'd hold off on any ire about this until someone verifies the source.

[rolandgeorg]

27. In the interests of finding who is responsible for this....

... I suggest that polite, yet inquiring calls be made to the parties listed on the mailing; Wisconsin Political Fund, and Ms. Gellman. If its found they have no part in this, then fine... misunderstandings all around. If they confirm they are the parties involved then some reasonable questions need to be asked of them.

Meanwhile... the press should be looking into the matter as well. he whole thing smacks of the kind of social controls utilized in Yugoslavia and other eastern block countries during the cold war. Its a little erie.

No response to the calls I left yet... It takes a village.

[ALASKAMOM]

28. Very unreliable information

My mom receieved a postcard in the mail today, listing me as a deadbeat voter in the state of Wisconsin. Last I heard, out of state residents were not allowed to vite in Wisconsin state elections. I have been an Alaskan resident for the past 13 years and my name has been removed from the voter rolls since that time. I am very offended by this label, as I have voted in every single election for which I've been eligible and I'm registered undeclared so that I have the opportunity to vote for the candidate, not the party, especially in the primary elections. I am dismayed that this group, which appears to have alot of democratic support, believes that this tactic is going to be effective in defeating Scott Walker in the recall. I personally think that they would be better off checking and verifying their sources and using a more positive tactic which would encourage people to vote, rather than this seemingly negative postcard campaign, which may drive people to vote in a way that may not be intended. It really makes me question the integrity and motives of this group.

[Scuba]

29. Good post. Welcome to DU.

[bellisimo]

30. contact information for this organization

i also received the mailing with incorrect inforrmation regarding voting history and was outraged by the tactics being used. the board president of the greater wisconsin political fund is Jim Youngerman e-mail is [e-mail] if anyone else agrees that there are better ways to get non voters to vote as opposed to trying to threaten non-voters and demean them, then please let him and this organization know.......

[rolandgeorg]

31. Contact information for this organization

Thanks for that info.... I just called and tried to speak with Mr. Youngerman and he wasn't very helpful. He wanted to pass me off to someone else and I said I wanted to just ask him a couple quick questions regarding the flier -- he hung up on me.

Perhaps you'll have better luck 608-233-0310

I know they feel neighborhood transparency is important, so the hang up was likely just an accident.

[undeterred]

32. Its United Steelworkers. At least it looks like their logo to me.

[HereSince1628]

34. Well, that's the logo under the return address but it also says

union made, local 318...how do we tell if that's acknowledging a union shop printed it or whether that local sponsored it.

Seems to have been a damned big project for a union local.

[undeterred]

35. True.

Its a very strange piece of mail. I did talk with some of my neighbors about it, and we all felt uncomfortable with this kind of exposure.

[HereSince1628]

36. OK, I found this in an MSNBC story, Greater Wisconsin got $900K from Dem Govs Association and $500K

from AFSCME.


http://openchannel.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/03/12026389-cpi-wisconsin-recall-battle-is-states-most-expensive-election?lite

In late May, Greater Wisconsin took a $500,000 donation from AFSCME and $900,000 more from the Democratic Governors Association to fuel a final online, radio, and TV ad push in the week ahead of the vote.


So this mailer was from the Democratic and labor side

[lam]

40. Thanks for the research validating the group

My name was on the mailer along with two neighbors that I kinda knew. I called them, we talked about the mailer, none of us liked it, but it brought us into a conversation. I think that is the step the GW group hopes people will take.

[Skinner]

41. Welcome to DU, Iam.

Thanks for sharing your experience.