Now that the unfortunate incident with the North Carolina Campaign Staffer is behind me, it’s time to move on…
Over the past 2 election cycles, I’ve raised over $7.5 MILLION for HUNDREDS of Democratic candidates at the federal, statewide and state legislative levels.
For statewide races, I list every GOP state, no matter how deep red, because I trust people to understand that yes, Wyoming & Oklahoma are extreme long shots for a Democrat; if they choose to donate to a Dem there, I assume they have their reasons. HOWEVER, I make sure to clearly label those races as being long shots.
For legislative races, however, with some exceptions, I only list districts which are either rated as tossup/lean by Cook Political Report (Congress), or which have a PVI rating under 10 according to Dave’s Redistricting (state legislatures).
I’ve raised over $325K so far this cycle and have set a soft target for myself of $4 million by November, but we’ll see how it goes.
I’ve therefore created a one-stop shop where you can easily find all of them at once.
The candidates listed will be filled in and/or may change over time as various filing deadlines and primaries pass, as well as changing circumstances like nominees having to be replaced, etc.
This isn't another PAC. It's just a one-stop link to make it easy for people to donate directly to hundreds of Democratic candidates running for federal, statewide and especially local (state legislative) offices.
Blue24.org has links to multiple ActBlue fundraising pages where you can donate to Democrats, including:
State Legislatures:
📣 Today would be a good day to help keep the Senate Blue. Donate today. #Blue24 https://t.co/0UqOuiWLQu— Charles Gaba ( ✡️, deal with it) (@charles_gaba) February 6, 2024
📣 Today would be a good day to help keep the Senate Blue. Donate today. #Blue24 https://t.co/0UqOuiWLQu
📣 Today would be a good day to help flip the House blue. Donate today. #Blue24 https://t.co/9Bg71O8aLC— Charles Gaba ( ✡️, deal with it) (@charles_gaba) February 6, 2024
📣 Today would be a good day to help flip the House blue. Donate today. #Blue24 https://t.co/9Bg71O8aLC
📣 Help keep & flip Governor, Attorney General & Secretary of State seats blue. Donate today. #Blue24https://t.co/ZzbtY7fi4H— Charles Gaba ( ✡️, deal with it) (@charles_gaba) February 6, 2024
📣 Help keep & flip Governor, Attorney General & Secretary of State seats blue. Donate today. #Blue24https://t.co/ZzbtY7fi4H
📣 Today would be a good day to help keep & flip STATE LEGISLATIVE seats blue. Donate today. #Blue24https://t.co/kBc6f8ZEXQ— Charles Gaba ( ✡️, deal with it) (@charles_gaba) March 11, 2024
📣 Today would be a good day to help keep & flip STATE LEGISLATIVE seats blue. Donate today. #Blue24https://t.co/kBc6f8ZEXQ
You can read more good news by our writers here and here.
That’s the short version. If you’re new to the Good News Roundups, please check out our longer version.
Sorry, tech issue, no top picture at this time, apparently due to Daily Kos gremlin.
Gnusie Bill in Portland Maine lets me repeat the results of his research. He arrayed the following items in his popular Who Won the Week? poll in Friday’s Cheers and Jeers. Many people already voted in that poll. Please enjoy Bill’s on-point analysis and wit, vote in his poll, Rec his diaries, get on his bandwagon, send him a donation, and earn his blessing.
Cheers and Jeers archive and future editions here. Way, way more than 2 thanks to The One, our Wicked Wizard of Wit and writer of Who Won the Week, Willhelm von kosland!
Bill’s Friday poll is here.
Which item did you vote for? Why?
Who made a winning move after Bill's deadline on Friday?
In case you missed us: Miss a day or two? Need more Good News? Need respites from doom scrolling? New to Good News Roundups? Breaking the doomscrolling habit?
15 Reasons To Be Full of HOPE! Saturday's GNR GoodNewsRoundup
Good News Roundup for Friday, March 8, 2024: Dejà vu all over again chloris creator
Thursday 3/7 Good News Roundup: GOPUMA for the Loss! Mokurai
16 Reasons Trump is Toast; GNR for Wed 3-6-2024 lemay50: 357 Recs so far: It’s never too late to vote in a poll or Recommend.
Good News Roundup - Wednesday, March 6, 2024 2thanks: 49 Recs so far. I posted a diary because due to an unknown tech issue, I could not see lemay50’s diary. More than 400 upticks for Good News diaries in one day! We think lemay50 caused a spike in our Joe Biden fundraiser.
Good News Roundup for Tuesday, March 5, 2024 arhpdx
From the GNR Newsroom: Its the Monday Good News Roundup Jessiestaf
Sunday Good News Roundup ☼ WineRev ☼ 2 Polls: WWtW? + Do you waste time on your computer? 2thanks
Image: Three writers of Good News Roundups stand in front of a good gnu. Image titled "Good Gnus by 2thanks, chloris creator, and Mokurai." Created by Edward Song, 2024. Thank you, Edward!
Poll 202 votes Show Results Today in the United States we begin Daylight Savings Time: Spring Forward! Did you set your clocks forward? Please select the item that most closely represents your situation. Thank you for reminding me to reset my clock(s)! Yes, I reset it or them Yes, I reset one or more, not done yet I changed those that do not reset themselves automatically My clocks reset themselves automatically Someone else changes my clock(s) for me I do not have a clock, I have the sun and moon Though a resident of the United States, my region does not switch to Daylight Savings Time I do not live in the United States Not sure, maybe, neutral, no opinion No, not yet,but I will I do not set my clock(s) in Spring or Fall This poll has flaws: Disorganized! Unscientific! You left something out! You left ME out! I never vote in polls like this because mind your own goshdarn, goldarn business, and/or something-something central federal homeland mumfle-mumfle Internet privacy Pie, definitely pie, OMG pie! This poll is way too effin hard! You want me to click something and it's only now o'clock on a Sunday? Between you and me, one of us is out of their blooming gourd, and it ain't me! The author of this poll is generally but not firmly opposed to adding "pie" to polls, but, obviously, as results will demonstrate, a not-tiny contingent of Daily Kos poll participants requires the option of pie, so here it is. Enjoy! Herein the author offers smoked salmon or miso as well as cream cheese, and bagels with or without your special beverage, and with or without pie. Bagels do not require horn straps Herein the author also offers pie, as much as you want and free of calories. But with this option, you get the beverage of your choice: large or small, hot or cold, with herd or solo. Horn strap extra Something else which I will suggest or explain in the comments, and I know I can join Daily Kos and comment immediately, and I know frolicking Gnusies all over this blooming, greening Earth will welcome me [Please see the Gnuville Map] 202 votes Vote Now! Today in the United States we begin Daylight Savings Time: Spring Forward! Did you set your clocks forward? Please select the item that most closely represents your situation. Thank you for reminding me to reset my clock(s)! 3% 6 votes Yes, I reset it or them 50 votes Yes, I reset one or more, not done yet 41 votes I changed those that do not reset themselves automatically 62 votes My clocks reset themselves automatically 3% 7 votes Someone else changes my clock(s) for me 2% 4 votes I do not have a clock, I have the sun and moon 1% 2 votes Though a resident of the United States, my region does not switch to Daylight Savings Time 4% 8 votes I do not live in the United States 2% 5 votes Not sure, maybe, neutral, no opinion 0% 0 votes No, not yet,but I will 4% 9 votes I do not set my clock(s) in Spring or Fall 1% 2 votes This poll has flaws: Disorganized! Unscientific! You left something out! You left ME out! 1% 2 votes I never vote in polls like this because mind your own goshdarn, goldarn business, and/or something-something central federal homeland mumfle-mumfle Internet privacy 0% 1 vote Pie, definitely pie, OMG pie! This poll is way too effin hard! You want me to click something and it's only now o'clock on a Sunday? Between you and me, one of us is out of their blooming gourd, and it ain't me! 0% 0 votes The author of this poll is generally but not firmly opposed to adding "pie" to polls, but, obviously, as results will demonstrate, a not-tiny contingent of Daily Kos poll participants requires the option of pie, so here it is. Enjoy! 0% 0 votes Herein the author offers smoked salmon or miso as well as cream cheese, and bagels with or without your special beverage, and with or without pie. Bagels do not require horn straps 1% 2 votes Herein the author also offers pie, as much as you want and free of calories. But with this option, you get the beverage of your choice: large or small, hot or cold, with herd or solo. Horn strap extra 0% 0 votes Something else which I will suggest or explain in the comments, and I know I can join Daily Kos and comment immediately, and I know frolicking Gnusies all over this blooming, greening Earth will welcome me [Please see the Gnuville Map] 0% 1 vote
I’ve raised $300K so far this cycle and have set a soft target for myself of $4 million by November, but we’ll see how it goes.
You can read more good news by our writers at here and here.
Everyone Has the Age Thing Wrong: Saturdays GNR GoodNewsRoundup
Good News Roundup for Friday, March 1, 2024: We the People chloris creator
Leap Year Day Good News Roundup: The Chumps at the Bar, February 29, 2024 Mokurai
Wednesday Good News Round Up Staying Strong karij
Even some Republicans are waking up to how bad Republicans are - February 27 Good News Roundup niftywriter
From the GNR Newsroom, its the Monday Good News Roundup Jessiestaf
Sunday Good News Roundup ☼ Good & Goofy History Corner ☼ 2 Polls: WWtW? + ? 2thanks
Image: Three writers of Good News Roundups stand in front of a good gnu. Image titled "Good Gnus by 2thanks, chloris creator, and Mokurai." Created by Edward Song, 2024. Thank you, Edward! [Click for large view of image.]
Poll 199 votes Show Results Do you waste time on your computer? (Please find the closest item that represents your answer. May I umbly suggest you might want to read to the end of the fresh items?) Yes Yes. of course Yes. I try not to Yes. I know I should be able to go faster, but I don't know how No I do not understand your question What is time? What is a computer? What is what? Does anyone really know what time it is? Not sure, maybe, neutral, no opinion This poll has flaws: Disorganized! Unscientific! You left something out! You left ME out! I never vote in polls like this because mind your own goshdarn, goldarn business, and/or something-something central federal homeland mumfle-mumfle Internet privacy Pie, definitely pie, OMG pie! This poll is way too effin hard! You want me to click something and it's only now o'clock on a Sunday? Between you and me, one of us is out of their blooming gourd, and it ain't me! The author of this poll is generally but not firmly opposed to adding "pie" to polls, but, obviously, as results will demonstrate, a not-tiny contingent of Daily Kos poll participants requires the option of pie, so here it is. Enjoy! Herein the author also offers pie, as much as you want and free of calories. But with this option, you get the beverage of your choice: large or small, hot or cold, with herd or solo. Horn strap extra Herein the author offers smoked salmon or miso as well as cream cheese, and bagels with or without your special beverage, and with or without pie. Bagels do not require horn straps Something else which I will suggest or explain in the comments, and I know I can join Daily Kos and comment immediately, and I know frolicking Gnusies all over this blooming, greening Earth will welcome me [Please see the Gnuville Map] 199 votes Vote Now! Do you waste time on your computer? (Please find the closest item that represents your answer. May I umbly suggest you might want to read to the end of the fresh items?) Yes 38 votes Yes. of course 75 votes Yes. I try not to 24 votes Yes. I know I should be able to go faster, but I don't know how 1% 1 vote No 8% 15 votes I do not understand your question 3% 6 votes What is time? 3% 5 votes What is a computer? 0% 0 votes What is what? 2% 3 votes Does anyone really know what time it is? 9% 18 votes Not sure, maybe, neutral, no opinion 1% 2 votes This poll has flaws: Disorganized! Unscientific! You left something out! You left ME out! 0% 0 votes I never vote in polls like this because mind your own goshdarn, goldarn business, and/or something-something central federal homeland mumfle-mumfle Internet privacy 2% 3 votes Pie, definitely pie, OMG pie! This poll is way too effin hard! You want me to click something and it's only now o'clock on a Sunday? Between you and me, one of us is out of their blooming gourd, and it ain't me! 2% 4 votes The author of this poll is generally but not firmly opposed to adding "pie" to polls, but, obviously, as results will demonstrate, a not-tiny contingent of Daily Kos poll participants requires the option of pie, so here it is. Enjoy! 0% 0 votes Herein the author also offers pie, as much as you want and free of calories. But with this option, you get the beverage of your choice: large or small, hot or cold, with herd or solo. Horn strap extra 1% 2 votes Herein the author offers smoked salmon or miso as well as cream cheese, and bagels with or without your special beverage, and with or without pie. Bagels do not require horn straps 1% 2 votes Something else which I will suggest or explain in the comments, and I know I can join Daily Kos and comment immediately, and I know frolicking Gnusies all over this blooming, greening Earth will welcome me [Please see the Gnuville Map] 1% 1 vote
NYT decided to characterize the Michigan primary as follows: President Biden won Michigan’s Democratic primary election on Tuesday but was facing significant opposition over his support for Israel as it wages war in Gaza, with a substantial percentage of voters casting ballots for “uncommitted” as part of a protest movement against him. Former President Donald J. Trump was also victorious in the Republican primary, coasting past former Gov. Nikki Haley of South Carolina to continue his undefeated primary streak. The Associated Press called both races as final polls closed at 9 p.m.
Notice the difference? Biden is currently winning 80% of the vote, with “uncommitted” at a distant 2nd with just 15%. Meanwhile, Trump is sitting at 66%, with Haley with a more substantial minority of 29%. So, Biden is overperforming 538’s expectations and Trump is once again underperforming them. Every poll had Biden under 80% and every poll had Trump over 70%. The aggregate for Trump on 538 is a massive 78.7%. He’s underperforming the polls by more than 10%. AND YET, according to the NYT, Biden “was facing significant opposition” while Trump was “coasting past” Haley.
As I’ve been trying to tell the Daily Kos community for months now, I’ve compiled fundraising pages for Democrats running in STATE LEGISLATIVE races for nearly every state at one location:
Blue24.org
Again, this is NOT a PAC. Donations go directly to the specific candidates, Dem legislative caucus funds and/or Democratic state parties listed on each page. I receive nothing.
With some strategic exceptions, the candidates are limited to those running in competitive districts (PVIs of +9 or closer, according to Dave’s Redistricting).
Donations are split evenly across all listed candidates/orgs by default, but you can also pick & choose which ones to donate to.
I raised over $500,000 for state legislative Democrats in 2020.
I’ve raised around $160,000 for state legislative Democrats so far this cycle.
I’m hoping to raise $1 million or more for them by November.
Pick a state & donate TODAY.
Over the past few years, Michigan has gone from having some of the most restrictive voting laws in the country to among the most progressive.
In 2018, we overwhelmingly passed Proposal 3, which, among other provisions:
But we weren’t done yet!
In 2022, we (again, overwhelmingly) passed Proposal 2, which also:
Well, as it happens, today is 10 days our from the Michigan 2024 Presidential Primary election, so it’s the first day of early voting here in the Wolverine State!
Anyway, this just seemed like a good excuse to urge folks to also DONATE TO MICHIGAN DEMOCRATS to help ensure we keep our blue trifecta for another two years!
📣 Today would be a good day to help keep #MIBlueIn24. Donate today:https://t.co/dot1DxabgK— Charles Gaba ( ✡️, deal with it) (@charles_gaba) March 8, 2023
📣 Today would be a good day to help keep #MIBlueIn24. Donate today:https://t.co/dot1DxabgK
While you’re at it, since we have an open U.S. Senate seat to defend, how about chipping in a few bucks to help Elissa Slotkin (& other Dem Senate candidates) while you’re at it?
And of course we desperately need to flip the U.S. House blue as well...and Michigan has two open seats to defend and one GOP-held seat which is flippable. Donate today!
I have not seen this story covered on DK so I though I would report it. Last year Michigan repealed their right to work anti-union legislation and that repeal goes into effect today per Talking Points Memo. First repeal of a right to work law in 50 years, and a significant win for Democrats in Michigan. Hopefully a harbinger of things to come in other states. Here is a link to the story on TPM:
talkingpointsmemo.com/...
Forbes
Former President Donald Trump pushed two Republican members of Michigan’s Wayne County Board of Canvassers to not certify the 2020 presidential election, according to audio recordings reviewed by the Detroit News, which comes as Trump faces two election interference cases and disqualification from Colorado’s 2024 ballot. Trump told the canvassers, Monica Palmer and the late William Hartmann, that they’d look “terrible” for signing the election certification documents after they initially voted in opposition and later voted to approve the certification of Wayne County’s election results, the Detroit News reported, citing a November 2020 phone call that also involved Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. McDaniel reportedly told the canvassers to not sign the certification and that they would be provided with attorneys, backing comments by Trump, who said, “We can't let these people take our country away from us,” during the call.
Former President Donald Trump pushed two Republican members of Michigan’s Wayne County Board of Canvassers to not certify the 2020 presidential election, according to audio recordings reviewed by the Detroit News, which comes as Trump faces two election interference cases and disqualification from Colorado’s 2024 ballot.
Trump told the canvassers, Monica Palmer and the late William Hartmann, that they’d look “terrible” for signing the election certification documents after they initially voted in opposition and later voted to approve the certification of Wayne County’s election results, the Detroit News reported, citing a November 2020 phone call that also involved Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel.
McDaniel reportedly told the canvassers to not sign the certification and that they would be provided with attorneys, backing comments by Trump, who said, “We can't let these people take our country away from us,” during the call.
Detroit News
"We've got to fight for our country," said Trump on the recordings, made by a person who was present for the call with Palmer and Hartmann. "We can't let these people take our country away from us." McDaniel, a Michigan native and the leader of the Republican Party nationally, said at another point in the call, "If you can go home tonight, do not sign it. ... We will get you attorneys." To which Trump added: "We'll take care of that." (snip) The moves from Palmer, Hartmann and Trump, had they been successful, threatened to throw the statewide certification of Michigan's 2020 election into doubt.
"We've got to fight for our country," said Trump on the recordings, made by a person who was present for the call with Palmer and Hartmann. "We can't let these people take our country away from us."
McDaniel, a Michigan native and the leader of the Republican Party nationally, said at another point in the call, "If you can go home tonight, do not sign it. ... We will get you attorneys."
To which Trump added: "We'll take care of that."
(snip)
The moves from Palmer, Hartmann and Trump, had they been successful, threatened to throw the statewide certification of Michigan's 2020 election into doubt.
WILX
Palmer and Hartmann left the canvassers meeting without certifying Wayne County’s votes, the Detroit News reports. Previously, Palmer and Hartmann had voted to not certify the results, but then said they would certify votes if an “audit” took place in certain counties. According to the report, Trump falsely claimed that there were “more votes than people” in the recordings. The two canvassers left the Wayne County Board of Canvassers meeting on Nov. 17, 2020, without certifying votes for Wayne County.
Palmer and Hartmann left the canvassers meeting without certifying Wayne County’s votes, the Detroit News reports.
Previously, Palmer and Hartmann had voted to not certify the results, but then said they would certify votes if an “audit” took place in certain counties.
According to the report, Trump falsely claimed that there were “more votes than people” in the recordings. The two canvassers left the Wayne County Board of Canvassers meeting on Nov. 17, 2020, without certifying votes for Wayne County.
Politico
The call occurred shortly after Wayne County Board of Canvassers meeting ending on Nov. 17, 2020, according to the report. (snip) “What I said publicly and repeatedly at the time, as referenced in my letter on Nov. 21, 2020, is that there was ample evidence that warranted an audit,” McDaniel, a resident of Wayne County, told the Detroit News in a statement. She did not dispute the facts of the call as outlined. A spokesperson for the RNC declined to provide further comment. “All of President Trump’s actions were taken in furtherance of his duty as President of the United States to faithfully take care of the laws and ensure election integrity, including investigating the rigged and stolen 2020 Presidential Election. President Trump and the American people have the Constitutional right to free and fair elections,” Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for the former president, said in a statement to POLITICO.
The call occurred shortly after Wayne County Board of Canvassers meeting ending on Nov. 17, 2020, according to the report.
“What I said publicly and repeatedly at the time, as referenced in my letter on Nov. 21, 2020, is that there was ample evidence that warranted an audit,” McDaniel, a resident of Wayne County, told the Detroit News in a statement. She did not dispute the facts of the call as outlined.
A spokesperson for the RNC declined to provide further comment.
“All of President Trump’s actions were taken in furtherance of his duty as President of the United States to faithfully take care of the laws and ensure election integrity, including investigating the rigged and stolen 2020 Presidential Election. President Trump and the American people have the Constitutional right to free and fair elections,” Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for the former president, said in a statement to POLITICO.
NBC News
President Donald Trump's phone call Saturday urging Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to overturn the state's election results might have violated federal and state election laws, but it would be difficult to prosecute, legal experts said Monday. The potential violation of federal election law centers on a provision that says it is a crime for a person "who in any election for federal office knowingly and willfully deprives, defrauds or attempts to deprive or defraud the residents of a state of a fair and impartially conducted election process." Trump's conversation with Raffensperger prompted a pair of House Democrats to send a letter Monday urging FBI Director Christopher Wray to open a criminal investigation, saying they "believe the president engaged in solicitation of, or conspiracy to commit, a number of election crimes."
President Donald Trump's phone call Saturday urging Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to overturn the state's election results might have violated federal and state election laws, but it would be difficult to prosecute, legal experts said Monday.
The potential violation of federal election law centers on a provision that says it is a crime for a person "who in any election for federal office knowingly and willfully deprives, defrauds or attempts to deprive or defraud the residents of a state of a fair and impartially conducted election process."
Trump's conversation with Raffensperger prompted a pair of House Democrats to send a letter Monday urging FBI Director Christopher Wray to open a criminal investigation, saying they "believe the president engaged in solicitation of, or conspiracy to commit, a number of election crimes."
Two years ago, wagering that Michigan would enact a clean energy package like the one Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Tuesday would be a good way to lose your rent money. The state House of Representatives had been in Republican hands for a dozen years, and Democrats hadn’t held a majority in the state Senate since 1984.
But the 2022 election was a stunning disaster for the state GOP. With abortion literally on the ballot, Democrats got control of the legislature and won every statewide office as voters enshrined reproductive rights in the state constitution. And this week, in another prime example of elections have consequences, the state joined 11 others mandating a rapid switch to 100% clean energy. This got done despite relentless hammering from Republican opponents spouting the usual objections to such mandates, including utter nonsense that would get a high schooler kicked off the debate team.
Every state that has set a goal with a deadline for reaching 100% clean energy—that is, cleanly generated electricity—does it somewhat differently in order to navigate local politics. Although Democrats gained control of the Michigan legislature, the sliver-thin margins mean nothing gets anywhere without compromise. Advocates of clean energy may call that compromising “watering down,” but we’ll get to that in a moment. First, the good stuff.
The Clean Energy Future Plan the legislature passed took its cues from the liberal Whitmer’s 58-page “MI Healthy Climate” plan. It mandates that utilities generate at least 15% of their electricity from clean energy sources through 2029, a paltry amount. Afterward, however, the requirement rises to 50% by 2030, 60% by 2035, and 100% by 2040. That’s very ambitious in the 16-year timeframe set out for it to be achieved. According to the Energy Information Administration, renewable sources of energy, mostly wind turbines around Lake Huron, made up about 12% of Michigan’s power mix in 2022.
Climate activists want a still faster pace. Indeed, an earlier version included a 2035 deadline but this was removed. Utility engineers are uncertain the goal can even be achieved in twice the time, citing numerous obstacles, including an inadequate and antiquated grid as well as a shortage of workers trained for green transition jobs. Moreover, certain politicians are no doubt wondering how soon they can get back into office and sabotage the plan they opposed from the outset. Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt issued a statement after the signing saying that the new law creates "far-left, unworkable energy mandates that will further increase energy costs and make Michigan energy less reliable." It’s clear that implementing the 100% plan has many hurdles, technical and political, to overcome.
West Michigan is populated by a large contingent of Dutch evangelical Christians. This wouldn’t seem like fertile ground for a Democratic member of Congress, but recent political events, namely the rise of Trump, have changed the outlook of the voters in the area. In 2022, voters in Grand Rapids and Muskegon voted for Rep. Hillary Scholten, the first Democratic member of Congress for West Michigan in nearly 50 years.
Today, the spotlight is on the story of Rep. Hillary Scholten! What makes Scholten acceptable to the voters in Michigan’s 3rd district? She shares a story with most of them, and she especially sticks out in the Democratic Party by being a white evangelical Christian.
Want to help the freshmen members of Congress like Hillary Scholten? Please donate to the New Faces in Congress Fund on ActBlue!
Rep. Hillary Scholten (Michigan-3)
Donate | House Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Via the Detroit Free Press:
A politically connected Detroit synagogue president was found stabbed to death Saturday morning outside her home in the city’s Lafayette Park neighborhood, east of downtown. Samantha Woll, 40, led the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue and previously worked for U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, and on the reelection campaign of Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat. Police said in an afternoon statement that they were investigating after finding a body stabbed multiple times in the 1300 block of Joliet Place. A trail of blood led to the victim's home, where police said they believe the crime occurred. “I am shocked, saddened and horrified to learn of Sam’s brutal murder,” Nessel said in a statement. “Sam was as kind a person as I’ve ever known. She was driven by her sincere love of her community, state and country. Sam truly used her faith and activism to create a better place for everyone.”
A politically connected Detroit synagogue president was found stabbed to death Saturday morning outside her home in the city’s Lafayette Park neighborhood, east of downtown.
Samantha Woll, 40, led the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue and previously worked for U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, and on the reelection campaign of Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat.
Police said in an afternoon statement that they were investigating after finding a body stabbed multiple times in the 1300 block of Joliet Place. A trail of blood led to the victim's home, where police said they believe the crime occurred.
“I am shocked, saddened and horrified to learn of Sam’s brutal murder,” Nessel said in a statement. “Sam was as kind a person as I’ve ever known. She was driven by her sincere love of her community, state and country. Sam truly used her faith and activism to create a better place for everyone.”
I only knew Samantha Woll via various Metro Detroit-area Democratic campaign events, fundraisers and the like, but she was always energetic, positive and upbeat.
From others who knew her better than I:
I and all of Team Slotkin is heartbroken at this news. Sam worked for me from nearly the moment I became a Congresswoman, helping us set up the office & helping to lead it for my full first term. https://t.co/BisT7N6cAa— Rep. Elissa Slotkin (@RepSlotkin) October 21, 2023
I and all of Team Slotkin is heartbroken at this news. Sam worked for me from nearly the moment I became a Congresswoman, helping us set up the office & helping to lead it for my full first term. https://t.co/BisT7N6cAa
Sam was the brightest light and one of the most talented people in politics, guided by her big heart. Since we attended school together, Sam, motivated by her faith, used her life and her light to make the world better. May her memory be a blessing.https://t.co/FUF378RBAF— Rep. Haley Stevens (@RepHaleyStevens) October 21, 2023
Sam was the brightest light and one of the most talented people in politics, guided by her big heart. Since we attended school together, Sam, motivated by her faith, used her life and her light to make the world better. May her memory be a blessing.https://t.co/FUF378RBAF
I am shocked, saddened and horrified to learn of Sam’s brutal murder. Sam was as kind a person as I’ve ever known. She was driven by her sincere love of her community, state and country. Sam truly used her faith and activism to create a better place for everyone. pic.twitter.com/gIYRP4USaj— Dana Nessel (@dananessel) October 21, 2023
I am shocked, saddened and horrified to learn of Sam’s brutal murder. Sam was as kind a person as I’ve ever known. She was driven by her sincere love of her community, state and country. Sam truly used her faith and activism to create a better place for everyone. pic.twitter.com/gIYRP4USaj
I don't have words yet but when I do, I will share them.This is from last night. pic.twitter.com/DbLyXxJ7iv— Stephanie Chang (@stephanielily) October 21, 2023
I don't have words yet but when I do, I will share them.This is from last night. pic.twitter.com/DbLyXxJ7iv
Sam cared so deeply, for so many people. She helped many of us get elected, work tirelessly in constituent services roles in a number of offices. If she ever had a bad day, you’d never know it. Always positive, always looking to help. I’m devastated.https://t.co/eGXeD6bHdC— Mallory McMorrow (@MalloryMcMorrow) October 21, 2023
Sam cared so deeply, for so many people. She helped many of us get elected, work tirelessly in constituent services roles in a number of offices. If she ever had a bad day, you’d never know it. Always positive, always looking to help. I’m devastated.https://t.co/eGXeD6bHdC
I knew Sam and her family from growing up in grade school and at our synagogue, and our friendship blossomed over the last decade through many campaign trails together. We just saw each other last week. pic.twitter.com/oZvoo8p658— Senator Jeremy Moss (@JeremyAllenMoss) October 21, 2023
I knew Sam and her family from growing up in grade school and at our synagogue, and our friendship blossomed over the last decade through many campaign trails together. We just saw each other last week. pic.twitter.com/oZvoo8p658
I am shattered and broken and unable to move. I have no adequate words. There was no kinder human being than Sam Woll. She was love and light personified. She would text you randomly to check in and say hi. She was always looking out for others.— Rep. Noah Arbit (@NoahArbit) October 21, 2023
I am shattered and broken and unable to move. I have no adequate words. There was no kinder human being than Sam Woll. She was love and light personified. She would text you randomly to check in and say hi. She was always looking out for others.
I was devastated today to learn of the loss of one of Detroit’s great young leaders - Samantha Woll. Just weeks ago, I shared a day of joy with Sam at the dedication of the newly renovated Downtown Synagogue. It was a project she successfully led with great pride and enthusiasm.— Mayor Mike Duggan (@MayorMikeDuggan) October 21, 2023
I was devastated today to learn of the loss of one of Detroit’s great young leaders - Samantha Woll. Just weeks ago, I shared a day of joy with Sam at the dedication of the newly renovated Downtown Synagogue. It was a project she successfully led with great pride and enthusiasm.
And no, I’m not going to speculate on the motive at this time. There’s been too many kneejerk assumptions about who did things and why lately.
UPDATE: According to the updated story at the Detroit Free Press: "No evidence has surfaced suggesting that this crime was motivated by antisemitism," Detroit Police Chief James White said in a statement Sunday afternoon. White had previously urged the public not to jump to conclusions about what happened.
Again, this doesn’t mean that it wasn’t a hate crime motivated by religion or politics, but it does mean the police haven’t found any evidence of that so far.
This is exactly the reason I didn’t speculate yesterday.
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