Democrats Tout Successful Eleanor Roosevelt Tribute

Democrats Tout Successful Eleanor Roosevelt Tribute
Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton Hosts Event to Celebrate, Empower Democratic Women

Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton welcomed Democrats from around the state last night as host of the Democratic Party's annual Eleanor Roosevelt Tribute.

Over 150 Democrats came together to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of Democratic women to our lives in Wisconsin. Lt. Governor Lawton  presented awards to five women who have whose outstanding commitment to Democratic causes and social activism have made this a better state.

The annual event pays tribute to the legacy of former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, a brilliant social activist who forever changed the way we think about the role of women in politics and government.

"Tonight, we lift high the achievements of women whose great work to improve the quality of life in communities across our state is firmly grounded in the values of the Democratic Party," Lt. Governor Lawton said.

Lt. Governor Lawton also announced the creation of the Women's Caucus within the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.

"The Democratic Party of Wisconsin values the important contributions women make here. The Women's Caucus will provide them infrastructural support necessary to increase their numbers in leadership positions and power up their shared agenda for Wisconsin," Lawton said.  "I am proud to announce that over 40 county coordinators have already committed to ensuring the caucus underwrites a successful slate of women candidates to represent us at every level of government."

Award winners from last night's event are as follows:

Marlys Matuszak (Lifetime Achievement) – Marlys Matuszak has been involved in Wisconsin politics since she was 14. She worked with the Young Dems and then went on to work on Congressman Dave Obey's very first campaign – to the Wisconsin State Assembly. She was first elected as the DPW's 7th district chair in 1991, and still holds the position today. When she was chair of the state party in the early 90s, Marlys single-handedly got the Secretary of the Interior, Bruce Babitt, to come speak at Wisconsin's Jefferson Jackson dinner in 1994. Subsequent chairs often sought Marlys out for advice. Anyone close to her would tell you that she never said no anybody that needed help. Whether there was one Democratic candidate or four in any given race, Marlys was there to help them all. As one close friend said, the Democratic Party is her "life and soul."

Kira Brenner (Rising Star) – Kira Brenner diplays outstanding commitment to Democrats at the State Chair of the College Democrats of Wisconsin. Kira has done an amazing amount of outreach, working to expand chapters around the state as well as start up new College Dems groups. She also works for the Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee and in the last election clycle,  managed Rep. Tom Nelson's successful re-election bid. Kira is a student at the University of Wisocnsin-Madison, majoring in political science.

Janice Tobak (Grassroots Activist) – Janice Tobak an active member of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, the Coalition of Labor Union Women, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, the Dodge County Labor Council, and the IAMAW Local #873, just to name a few. She ran a campaign in 2006 to get more women registered to vote, and she was the leader of a group of women to win the Champions for Health Award from Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin.

Rep. Tamara Grigsby (Elected Leader) – Tamara Grigsby brought her experience as a social worker to the State Assembly when she was elected in 2004. Before her election, Rep. Grigsby worked as a program manager at the  Wisconsin Council on Children and Families. Through her work at the Council, she was very involved in advocating for change in the Child Welfare, W-2, Educational and Criminal Justice systems – all issues she has kept with her in her work at the State Capitol. It is this fight for social justice for families that has underscored Rep. Grigsby's work.

Dian Palmer (Statewide Impact) – Dian Palmer has been a registered nurse for over 25 years and now serves as the president of the SEIU Wisconsin State Council, representing over 15,000 service workers in the state. During her time as president, Dian has made the SEIU into a powerful voice for working people and the state's fastest growing union. She is a leader in Wisconsin as well as nationally. Dian is a member of the SEIU's National Executive Board and the state party's leadership, serving on the Administrative Committee. She is a a tireless advocate for workers' rights and a dedicated leader in the fight for health care.

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