Lisa Subeck boldy took progressive views where they haven’t been heard in a long time: Madison’s southwest side. There are no spring voters who haven’t had their door knocked on by Lisa at least once and in some cases four times. In a district largely written off by other left-of-center organizations and individuals, she showed the true value and broad appeal of progressive values coupled with experience and neighborhood connections.

Lisa’s team – Dani, Tammy, Leslie and Claire –churned out a campaign that should awe the most seasoned veterans. One of Lisa’s district’s newest residents, Lukas Diaz, who takes a job, does it, asks for more, does it asks, for more…one of the hardest jobs has been keeping up with him.

Austin King and his team of student supporters, had fun, being nothing other than who they are, and won big. They did so with an air of professionalism, organization and diligence that should serve as lessons to everyone.

Chris Kratochwill, a person who has worked all his relatively short life toward serving, who cannot be anything but loved once you’ve talked to him. He’s fought one of the most uphill of battles, slogging through the spin and apathy and showing the entire city that public service is a privilege and should be treated as such.

Shelley Fite has been around the organizing block a dozen times though never ran a campaign. Well, you’d never know it watching her as Chris’s campaign lead.

Vicky Selkowe, was the ultimate team player when the answer to "where do you need me" was "message for a campaign against a well-known incumbent." She’s been integral to several other campaigns when it comes to policy development, message refinement, and debate prep.

When Jean MacCubbin left a huge vacancy on the near west side, Tim Gruber did what few do: stopped looking around and found the answer (for himself and the progressive cause) in the mirror.

Brian Benford continues that journey we hear so much about, this time serving as the leader, and, as always the one from which inspiration leaps.

John Koch is taking his own journey, filling all that time in so-called retirement by making sure that the value of working through a voter file to make grassroots campaigns winnable is fully realized in the north side.

Juscha Robinson, who dove right into the deep end of campaign management this fall, barely took a moment to towel off before leaping right back in, ensuring that the quirks that can yield terrible results in low-turnout elections have no effect on whether District 12 residents get the full benefit of another two years of Brian Benford serving them.

Team Benford – Tom, Sheila, Johnny Mac, and Barbara – which might get accused of doing more beer drinking than planning at its weekly meeting, got the job done and got it done right.

Sarah King, perhaps the most earnest of candidates, stayed true to herself, the reasons she decided to run, the things she wants to get done and the value she brings by being exactly the kind of neighborhood activist and challenge-taker we would all want to represent us.

Kelly Roark's efforts in District 13 helped make the campaign feel like a family effort.

The electeds in Dist 13 – Kyle, Chuck and Andy care deeply about their district. They bring the true value of incumbency to this race: a deep understanding of the issues and people that the campaign is really about.

Team King – Sue, Bonnie, Jim, Melissa, Judy, Monte, and Kelsey – most of whom are from the district, were nothing short of outstanding.

Lori Nitzel was on a quest to be the most prolific of door knockers and fundraisers ever backed by PD. She’s eliminated the huge lead her opponent built early on by working very hard and showing that substance, commitment and passion still matter in politics.

Satya Rhodes-Conway performed her first time position as campaign manager liked a seasoned veteran that we can all learn from.

There’s some amazing literature that came out of the Nitzel campaign and it’s flying off the home computer of District 15 resident Jeanne Gomoll.

Amy Westra discovered after she was already on the ballot in District 3 that her life didn’t lend itself to the kind of grassroots campaign that she wanted to run. Rather than not participate in spring elections, she channeled her energy into being everywhere at once before landing as volunteer coordinator in District 15.

Ben Manski was solid as always, producing great lit and great advice for more than one candidate, not to mention the TAA, 4 Lakes Green Party and plenty of others.

Ben’s only true rival for being busy is Brenda Konkel. Brenda once again continues to defy Mother Nature to constrain her to the same 24-hour day we all live within, providing leadership unlike any this city has enjoyed in a long time.

Mary Anglim, keeps the books and the organization’s sanity clean and intact. It’s a tall order making sure we don’t really have to worry about either, but Mary does a great job.

Ron Richardson is a tenacious caller, a critical cog in what been referred to as our "machinery."

And, of course last but not least, Nick Berigan. If you haven’t gotten a call from Nick you haven’t got a phone. It’s no wonder our opponents think we have an army of activists; with Nick at the helm the modest work of many makes a tremendous difference here.

PD endorsed candidates, volunteers, and members all played a critical role is spring elections. Without your help, we would not be able to make Madison the progressive city that its citizens love to live their lives in. We know we didn’t have space to mention everyone but big thanks to everyone. See you at the next General Membership Meeting!