71 Comments
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Jean Grow's avatar

I'm sad to see you go and I'd also like to say here, publicly - if the National Dems had selected you as our chair, the party would be in MUCH better shape.

With gratitude - I wish you all the best.

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Tom Podnar's avatar

So true Jean. I put him as my choice over and over again. He was first brought to my attention by the outstanding Princess Bride read through! What a stunning achievement!

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Jean Grow's avatar

Thanks Tom. Ben has been an incredible asset to WI - and to the party. Keeping us purple & often blue.

It’s easy to run a state party that’s solid blue. Ben had the goods. It’s a great loss.

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Matt Ryan's avatar

Thanks, Ben for everything you did to restore the progressive quality to WI politics. The meta message of your story as WI Dem Chair is that even when things look bleak, you keep fighting for what’s right and what’s important. People will respond.

For those folks who didn’t read your entire post, I’ve copied and pasted the list of your accomplishments below. Enjoy the time off with your family and I hope to see you return next year to help the D’s sweep the House and pick up several senate seats.

Together, we've done so much. We elected Jill Karofsky, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris in 2020; Jill Underly in 2021; reelected Governor Evers, Lt Gov. Rodriguez, Attorney General Kaul, and Secretary of State La Follette in 2022; elected Janet Protasiewicz in 2023; and reelected Senator Baldwin in 2024. When we fell just short in statewide contests, the margins were agonizingly close: Mandela Barnes came within 1% of beating Senator Ron Johnson; Aaron Richardson fell 1.5% short of now-Treasurer John Leiber; and Vice President Harris came within 0.9% of Donald Trump. And then, this spring, we supported Susan Crawford in what became, by far, the most expensive judicial race in American history—and she defeated Brad Schimel, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump by 10%.

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Dawna Stromsoe's avatar

Ben, I understand the need to step away and evaluate the future. I was very disappointed that you were not selected as DNC Chair as you clearly have the fierceness, intelligence and integrity to lead as well as the engaging charismatic personality to be a excellent interview/spokesperson.

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Mim Eisenberg (NYer now in GA)'s avatar

Agreed.

Thanks, Ben, for whatever you'll be continuing to do behind the scenes and in front of the camera to help lead our nation back from this horrid Maladministration II.

And thanks for letting those of us who cannot pay for a subscription at this time to comment here.

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Janet Frohnmayer's avatar

You have been a transformational leader in Wisconsin and your exemplary, principled, and disciplined leadership has had ripple effects across the country. I’ve seen it both as someone deeply engaged in politics and as a WI volunteer from a blue state. So excited to see what you do next - after some very well deserved rest. With deep appreciation!

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Allison Evans Richardson's avatar

You will be desperately missed at the helm of our state’s party, but you have earned every second and more of long-overdue time with your family. I look forward to following your success in whatever lies ahead. Thank you!

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Denise's avatar

The people of Wisconsin (and the nation) owe you a tremendous amount of gratitude. If it were not for you, my family would have likely moved out of Wisconsin. We are going to miss you tremendously. The DNC could have used your leadership. I hope this means you will be running for office down the road!

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Kim Whittaker's avatar

Ben, Huge admiration for what you have done. Was hoping you could share your secret sauce with all State Party Chairs as the DNC Chair. We need you in the fight. I'm sure a Dem campaign is gonna make an offer you can't refuse. Enjoy the summer with your family ...and the little dog too! Thank you so very much!!

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Stacey Jenkins's avatar

Thank you Ben! I was impressed by your work when I saw your interview with Brian Tyler Cohen regarding the head of DNC! Needless to say I was disappointed when Ken Martin won. I watched his interview with BTC and felt your vision for the Democratic Party was better

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Linda Hinckley's avatar

I wish you well in your next endeavors and thank you for your leadership and service to the Democrátic Party of the amazing state of Wisnosin!

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Nenapoma's avatar

Take a rest comeback stronger than ever

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Arkansas Blue's avatar

Good luck to you, Ben, in all your future endeavors.

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Jenna Juliet Wikler's avatar

I heard it here first!

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Mamavalveeta03's avatar

I’m so sad that Wisconsin is losing you, Ben. But I trust that you’ll continue to do great things for the party at whatever level you see fit. Go spend more time with your wonderful family and know that you have our eternal gratitude!

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Michelle Jordan's avatar

Best wishes going forward!

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Dreamer's avatar

A thank you hardly seems like enough. Recharge. We will need you again soon.

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Chris Lyke's avatar

Thanks, Ben, for all you have done

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