November 14, 2024
A criminal attorney general, a new Indivisible Guide, clawing back power in the states, and more!
BRING MATT GAETZ TO JUSTICE - NOT THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Democrats and Republicans alike were stunned by the announcement that President Trump will nominate Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida as his attorney general. Gaetz, in addition to a long record of extremism and undermining democracy, was federally investigated for sex trafficking teenagers and as of yesterday was still the target of a House Ethics Committee probe for sexual misconduct, drug use and corruption. He has resigned now that he is the attorney general designee, ending the inquiry right before the committee was set to vote on releasing a report on his actions sources claim is highly damaging. Trump has put forward a series of alarming picks, but Gaetz may be the farthest over the line - a criminal being put in charge of the Justice Department. He has also not been greeted with enthusiasm even from the GOP. Let’s be sure to call our senators and tell them to vote no on Gaetz and pull out all the procedural stops to block his nomination. Let’s also contact the Democrats serving on the Ethics Committee and urge them to ensure the public sees whatever damning information they have found before any confirmation vote, whether by reading the report into the Congressional Record or leaking it to the press. We can reach them here:
Rep. Susan Wild (PA, Ranking Member) - 202-225-6411
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA) - 202-225-2095
Rep. Veronica Escobar (TX) - 202-225-4831
Rep. Glenn Ivey (MD) - 202-225-8699
Rep. Deborah Ross (NC) - 202-225-3032
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS WITH INDIVISIBLE
The crew at Indivisible has launched their strategy to mitigate the damage of the Trump administration and help ensure fair elections in 2026. Let’s read their practical guide to democracy on the brink and get familiar with their new strategies and sign up to join or found an Indivisible group to organize in our local communities.
CLAW BACK POWER STARTING NOW
Democratic state officials will be on the frontlines of fighting Trump policies. They will have key roles in protecting vulnerable communities, reproductive freedom, the environment, the rule of law, and so much more. Let’s pledge to keep our states strong by taking these actions:
Tell our state governors and state attorneys general that we expect them to use their power and ingenuity to strategically oppose Trump policies and actions that violate the law and endanger the lives and rights of the residents of our state.
Sign up with the Center for Common Ground so that we’ll be ready to help the campaigns to keep a progressive majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court in this spring’s judicial election and elect a Democratic governor and Democratic-majority legislature in Virginia next November.
RUN FOR SOMETHING GETS THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN OFFICE
The resistance to Trump starts in elected offices here at home, and we need to make sure every possible office is won by pro-democracy Democrats. Run for Something is ready to help us do just that, aiming to support young progressive candidates making their first runs for office. We can be a candidate or we can volunteer to help behind the scenes. We can find out more about each role here.
ROGAN’S LIST IS JOE ROGAN FREE - MEET OUR FOUNDER
There have been many questions about whether Rogan’s List has any ties to Joe Rogan. We’re proud to reassure you we do not - this Rogan is on the right side of history. Since we have so many new subscribers (our group is about to pass the 30,000 mark!), we want to reintroduce you to the founder of Rogan’s List, Susan Rogan. Let’s read her story and how we got started eight years ago.
STATE-SPECIFIC ACTIONS
MI - ACCURATE NAMES AND ID CARDS FOR TRANS PEOPLE
The Michigan State House will have a Republican majority in January, which means this is our last chance to pass important protections for the trans community. Accurate names and identifications, reflecting one’s true identity rather than "dead" names assigned at birth, are an essential tool in protecting trans individuals from targeting and discrimination. Michigan Democrats have three bills on the table (H 5301, H 5302, and H5303) to make the process of getting updated ID less burdensome for trans people. Equality Michigan and the Human Rights Campaign are hosting a call TONIGHT from 6-7 pm to brief on what steps we can take to ensure this legislation gets to Governor Whitmer’s desk ASAP - let’s sign up here.
This is a good path for the immediate threat. I believe the only true way path forward is to move to Ranked Choice Voting and eliminate the the Electoral College.
Representative Escobar's office recommended calling the Ethics Committee directly as well. The number for that office is 202-225-7103.