Mike McCabe, founder and president of Blue Jean Nation.

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Content referencing Mike McCabe

The State of Politics: Primary Winners Rely on Certain Counties
The State of Politics

Primary Winners Rely on Certain Counties

Of state's 72 counties a small number provide majority of statewide vote.

Op-Ed: Big Money Is Taking Over the Courts
Op-Ed

Big Money Is Taking Over the Courts

Wealthy, right-wing interests are assaulting the integrity of the judiciary.

Op Ed: What Amy Coney Barrett Forgot
Op Ed

What Amy Coney Barrett Forgot

Her omissions during testimony offer clear clues to the kind of justice she will be.

Michael Beardsley receives endorsements from Youth Climate Action Team, Sunrise Movement Appleton, Progressive Rising, Mike McCabe, and Nick Teifke for Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District
Press Release

Michael Beardsley receives endorsements from Youth Climate Action Team, Sunrise Movement Appleton, Progressive Rising, Mike McCabe, and Nick Teifke for Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District

Michael Beardsley, Democratic Candidate for US House of Representatives. Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District

Op Ed: No Nation Built on Hate Can Be Great
Op Ed

No Nation Built on Hate Can Be Great

New state group, We Are Many, seeks to change hearts and minds.

Money in Politics Tops List of Voter Concerns
Press Release

Money in Politics Tops List of Voter Concerns

Over 90% of Americans think special interest money has too much influence in American political campaigns.

All the Election Data You Want

All the Election Data You Want

It was one for the history books, with many surprising results and newcomers.

Murphy’s Law: 23 Election Winners and Losers
Murphy’s Law

23 Election Winners and Losers

Beyond the vote totals, who were the other winners and losers in yesterday’s election?

Tony Evers Wins Over Crowded Field

Tony Evers Wins Over Crowded Field

State Superintendent wins easily, Mitchell takes second.

Vote Tuesday: Candidates for Common Council
Vote Tuesday

Candidates for Common Council

Six candidates for 5th District in only primary contest.

Vote Tuesday: Democratic Candidate Guide
Vote Tuesday

Democratic Candidate Guide

Packed Democratic gubernatorial race and county sheriff contest are top items on Tuesday's ballot.

Race for Governor: Democrats Make Closing Arguments
Race for Governor

Democrats Make Closing Arguments

Lively gubernatorial debate covered topics from Gov. Walker's worst action to cutting the state's prison population.

Eyes on Milwaukee: 4th Street Rededicated Vel R. Phillips Ave.
Eyes on Milwaukee

4th Street Rededicated Vel R. Phillips Ave.

A who's who ceremony of politicians and candidates turns out to honor legacy of Vel Phillips.

Race for Governor: Ignore the Polls, McCabe Urges Voters
Race for Governor

Ignore the Polls, McCabe Urges Voters

Maverick Democrat “likes” his chances, says lack of cash for TV ads won’t hurt his candidacy.

Race for Governor: Liberal Groups Won’t Endorse For Governor
Race for Governor

Liberal Groups Won’t Endorse For Governor

None of four Democratic finalists got more than one-third of online vote.

Murphy’s Law: Who Will Win Democratic Primary?
Murphy’s Law

Who Will Win Democratic Primary?

Eight challengers for governor, primary just weeks away, who are the favorites?

Race for Governor: Roys Leads Democrats in Money Raised
Race for Governor

Roys Leads Democrats in Money Raised

Also leads seven other Democratic candidates for governor in cash on hand.

New Marquette Law School Poll finds roughly one in three Wisconsin voters still undecided one month before primaries
Press Release

New Marquette Law School Poll finds roughly one in three Wisconsin voters still undecided one month before primaries

Voters split along partisan lines on Supreme Court nominee, other national and state issues

Race for Governor: Democratic Candidates Duke it Out
Race for Governor

Democratic Candidates Duke it Out

In debate all eight Democrats running for governor blast the Foxconn deal.

UWM to host Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial debate on July 12
Press Release

UWM to host Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial debate on July 12

All eight Democratic candidates have agreed to participate.

3 times around the world . . . without leaving Wisconsin
Press Release

3 times around the world . . . without leaving Wisconsin

The Principle Over Party campaign emphasizes volunteer-driven grassroots campaigning as McCabe is the only candidate in the race refusing to take the huge political donations candidates for governor can legally accept.

New Marquette Law School Poll finds many Wisconsin primary voters undecided, unfamiliar with candidates
Press Release

New Marquette Law School Poll finds many Wisconsin primary voters undecided, unfamiliar with candidates

Walker, Baldwin hold modest advantages over challengers

Op Ed: Why I Won’t Accept Big Donations
Op Ed

Why I Won’t Accept Big Donations

My campaign for governor is about serving the state’s middle class, not the fat cats.

McCabe: Take state government to the people
Press Release

McCabe: Take state government to the people

"People shouldn’t have to travel to the State Capitol to be heard and served by their state government."

Mike McCabe Runs a ‘People Powered’ Campaign

Mike McCabe Runs a ‘People Powered’ Campaign

Activist's independent streak has inspired and frustrated in Democratic gubernatorial primary.

Walker Runs Race on His Own Terms

Walker Runs Race on His Own Terms

Have Democrats figured out what it takes to beat Walker?

Mike McCabe’s People Powered Campaign turns in 4,000 nomination signatures on his 58th Birthday.
Press Release

Mike McCabe’s People Powered Campaign turns in 4,000 nomination signatures on his 58th Birthday.

Volunteers in every part of the state circulated nomination papers for McCabe.

Remove state barriers to local democracy to empower communities, McCabe proposes
Press Release

Remove state barriers to local democracy to empower communities, McCabe proposes

"Local democracy has been commandeered by those currently in charge at the State Capitol."

Photo Gallery: Cannabis Marchers Demand Legalization
Photo Gallery

Cannabis Marchers Demand Legalization

8th annual March for Cannabis draws 200 people and speeches from six candidates for governor.

McCabe calls for ‘fix ‘em first’ & ‘pay as we pave’ policies on roads
Press Release

McCabe calls for ‘fix ‘em first’ & ‘pay as we pave’ policies on roads

"Wisconsin can’t have bad roads and a good economy."

Kelda Roys Wins 2nd Congressional District Democratic Straw Poll
Press Release

Kelda Roys Wins 2nd Congressional District Democratic Straw Poll

"Today’s results show that Wisconsin Democrats are looking for hope, optimism, and someone to vote for, not just something to vote against."

March for Cannabis – 8th Annual March to Legalize Cannabis in Wisconsin
Press Release

March for Cannabis – 8th Annual March to Legalize Cannabis in Wisconsin

SE WI NORML to hold 8th annual march to legalize cannabis in Wisconsin at MacArthur Square in downtown Milwaukee

Elevating the Next Governor of Wisconsin; Wisconsin’s Choice Campaign Narrows Field to Nine Candidates in Endorsement Process
Press Release

Elevating the Next Governor of Wisconsin; Wisconsin’s Choice Campaign Narrows Field to Nine Candidates in Endorsement Process

Thousands vote in poll to find people’s champion to challenge Scott Walker and win

McCabe Gains Moms Demand Action’s Gun Sense Candidate Distinction
Press Release

McCabe Gains Moms Demand Action’s Gun Sense Candidate Distinction

Mike McCabe is honored to announce he has received their Gun Sense Candidate Distinction for his stands on gun safety.

Murphy’s Law: The Whacko Primary for Governor
Murphy’s Law

The Whacko Primary for Governor

Seriously, a dozen or more Democratic candidates? It’s beyond the Republicans’ dreams.

High-speed Internet everywhere in Wisconsin in 5 years under McCabe plan
Press Release

High-speed Internet everywhere in Wisconsin in 5 years under McCabe plan

"Wisconsin can settle for nothing less than high-speed Internet everywhere."

Transforming state taxes a key to empowering people, strengthening communities and keeping a middle class
Press Release

Transforming state taxes a key to empowering people, strengthening communities and keeping a middle class

One centerpiece of the plan reduces the state sales tax rate by 10% while applying the tax to now-exempt purchases made almost exclusively by the richest consumers

Op Ed: The Unique Candidacy of Mike McCabe
Op Ed

The Unique Candidacy of Mike McCabe

And why his campaign for governor is attracting an army of volunteers.

McCabe plan funds health, education investments with proceeds from legal sales of marijuana
Press Release

McCabe plan funds health, education investments with proceeds from legal sales of marijuana

Even before announcing his candidacy on September 12, McCabe publicly supported legalization of industrial hemp production as well as medicinal and personal use of marijuana.

McCabe calls for ending 2 state subsidies benefiting select few to invest in community prosperity
Press Release

McCabe calls for ending 2 state subsidies benefiting select few to invest in community prosperity

“If a program works, keep it and fund it. If it doesn’t work, get rid of it.”

New Marquette Law School Poll finds Wisconsin voters divided on benefits of Foxconn deal, but together in support of background checks for gun sales
McCabe proposes test run for Basic Income program
Press Release

McCabe proposes test run for Basic Income program

"This could pave the way to Social Security for All nationally."

McCabe charts 5-year path to living wage for all workers
Press Release

McCabe charts 5-year path to living wage for all workers

"Wisconsin’s goal should be nothing less than an economy where if you work you won’t be poor."

Principle Over Party campaign breaks 6 figures in 3-plus months relying on small donations
Press Release

Principle Over Party campaign breaks 6 figures in 3-plus months relying on small donations

The way the Principle Over Party campaign is funded mirrors the values McCabe promoted for decades as an independent watchdog and reform advocate.

Principle Over Party Campaign Pounds the Pavement
Press Release

Principle Over Party Campaign Pounds the Pavement

The Principle Over Party campaign is breaking the mold.

Don’t create Internet Apartheid, McCabe tells FCC
Press Release

Don’t create Internet Apartheid, McCabe tells FCC

"The Internet’s founding principle was that every website, online feature and service should be treated the same."

Change one word in state law and make BadgerCare an option for all Badgers, McCabe proposes
Press Release

Change one word in state law and make BadgerCare an option for all Badgers, McCabe proposes

"BadgerCare should be there for all Badgers who want or need it."

Plenty of Horne: We’re All Running For Governor
Plenty of Horne

We’re All Running For Governor

Ten Democrats are running, and most were at this forum, chastising Walker.

Make state pension system an option for everyone in the state, McCabe proposes
Press Release

Make state pension system an option for everyone in the state, McCabe proposes

What the Government does needs to be done for our whole society, not just a few.

Gubernatorial Candidate Mike McCabe to Hold Milwaukee Town Hall
Press Release

Gubernatorial Candidate Mike McCabe to Hold Milwaukee Town Hall

Political Activist and Gubernatorial Candidate Mike McCabe is holding a Q&A Town Hall on Milwaukee's North Side.

AB 353 hurts local farmers, co-ops, and Wisconsin communities; serves corporate interests
Press Release

AB 353 hurts local farmers, co-ops, and Wisconsin communities; serves corporate interests

We need to build economies from the ground up, not top down

I won’t live in Governor’s Mansion once elected
Press Release

I won’t live in Governor’s Mansion once elected

"Governors should be servants, not masters."

Op-Ed: 11 Steps to More Honest Government
Op-Ed

11 Steps to More Honest Government

Stronger open records and open meetings laws needed.

New Party For the Politically Homeless?

New Party For the Politically Homeless?

Mike McCabe, former head of WI Democracy Campaign, launches political party that's "neither elephant nor ass."

Walker Has Huge Cash Advantage

Walker Has Huge Cash Advantage

He's raised $24.5 million compared to Burke's $15.5 million, with twice as much of his donations coming from out of state.

Billionaire Sheldon Adelson Gives $650,000 to State GOP

Billionaire Sheldon Adelson Gives $650,000 to State GOP

Most of last minute campaign donation may go to Gov. Walker, who made trip to Las Vegas to woo the casino magnate.

Campaign Contributors Benefited from Walker Rejection of BadgerCare Dollars
Press Release

Campaign Contributors Benefited from Walker Rejection of BadgerCare Dollars

Insurance Companies getting windfall of public dollars also donated big money to Walker and legislators

Good Government Advocates Call for Walker to Step Down from WEDC
Press Release

Good Government Advocates Call for Walker to Step Down from WEDC

In light of conflicts of interest, emergency action needed to protect public job creation dollars from legal bribery

Mike McCabe Blasts Both Parties

Mike McCabe Blasts Both Parties

“We have one party that is scary and another that is scared,” writes Mike McCabe, executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, in his new book.

The State of Politics: Unopposed Legislators Still Love Campaign Cash
The State of Politics

Unopposed Legislators Still Love Campaign Cash

Retiring and unopposed legislators are sitting on $1.2 million in donations.

Are John Doe Subjects Still Coordinating?

Are John Doe Subjects Still Coordinating?

Scott Walker says they did nothing wrong. Will he coordinate with "independent" groups in upcoming campaign?

Campaign Coordination With Outside Groups is Common

Campaign Coordination With Outside Groups is Common

Study says Walker's coordination with independent groups doesn't compare to some other states.

The State of Politics: Confusion Reigns on Campaign-Finance Law
The State of Politics

Confusion Reigns on Campaign-Finance Law

Court rulings leaves state regulators reeling and candidates mystified.

Wisconsinites Vote Big Money Out of Elections, New Analysis Finds McCutcheon Decision Could Let Big Money In
Press Release

Wisconsinites Vote Big Money Out of Elections, New Analysis Finds McCutcheon Decision Could Let Big Money In

MOVI Wisconsin Coalition Announces 2014-2015 Plan to Reclaim our Democracy

The Lobbyist Law Nobody Likes

The Lobbyist Law Nobody Likes

Except the WMC business lobby and Realtors Association, who are glad Walker signed it.

State Hires Company That Screwed-Up Voter Registration System

State Hires Company That Screwed-Up Voter Registration System

Walker administration gives $59 million IT contract to Accenture, which won headlines for its poor work under Doyle.

Talk is Cheap on John Doe Probe

Talk is Cheap on John Doe Probe

Are conservatives trying to smear the investigators probing Walker's reelection campaign and third party groups?

Measure Limits Recalls But Allows Unlimited Fundraising

Measure Limits Recalls But Allows Unlimited Fundraising

Republican proposal would provide great protection to incumbent politicians.

Murphy’s Law: New Probe is Big Trouble for Walker
Murphy’s Law

New Probe is Big Trouble for Walker

Both the first and second John Doe have focused on his campaigns, suggesting a disturbing pattern.

Supreme Court Decisions Favor Lawyers Who Donate

Supreme Court Decisions Favor Lawyers Who Donate

Study shows justices don't recuse in 98% of cases involving attorneys and Abrahamson gets the most money.

Murphy’s Law: How to Kill a Democracy
Murphy’s Law

How to Kill a Democracy

Glenn Grothman’s proposal would shield 96% of all political donations, ending transparency in campaigns.

Murphy’s Law: In Defense of Goo Goos
Murphy’s Law

In Defense of Goo Goos

Why we need the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign and Wisconsin Taxpayer’s Alliance.

School Choice Lobby Spends $10 Million

School Choice Lobby Spends $10 Million

Choice supporters donated $2.8 million to state candidates and $7 million for electioneering activities, according to nonpartisan watchdog group.

Murphy’s Law: The Voucher Lobby
Murphy’s Law

The Voucher Lobby

Lobbying for school choice provides big money for Republicans.

How Former Lawmakers Cash In

How Former Lawmakers Cash In

16 ex-lawmakers -- including former Assembly speakers and Senate majority leaders -- make big money lobbying the legislature.

The Money Behind the Mining Bill

The Money Behind the Mining Bill

Is it $15 million in campaign contributions? The tally is inexact, but it's way more than environmentalists donate.

A Solution to Our Billion-Dollar Democracy

A Solution to Our Billion-Dollar Democracy

11 states support a constitutional amendment to overthrow Supreme Court decision allowing unrestrained campaign spending. What about Wisconsin?

Walker Backs Transparency in Campaign Funding

Walker Backs Transparency in Campaign Funding

He's open -- in theory - to changes that address the problem of "dark money" in elections.

A Call for Redistricting Reform

A Call for Redistricting Reform

Given the distorted election results, good government groups want to reform the process of redistricting.

How Republicans Won the Legislature

How Republicans Won the Legislature

It was a Democratic wave, but redistricting helped the GOP win 74% of assembly seats with just 52% of the vote.