Ballot choice in next week’s Wisconsin primary fresh chance for Democrats to protest Biden

In next Tuesday's presidential primary in Wisconsin, there will be a concerted effort to make a statement on the ballot because of the war between Hamas and Israel.

Rather than vote for President Joe Biden, the effort among some Democrats is to choose "uninstructed delegation" on the ballot.

In an open letter to voters, state Rep. Francesca Hong, D-Madison, wrote, “We have an undeniable responsibility to stand with the Palestinian people in loving solidarity and demand an end to military aid to Israel and ensure the taxpayers are no longer complicit in a genocide that is funded by our government. "The Wisconsin Uninstructed campaign calls for an end to the ongoing genocide of over 32,000 Palestinians in Gaza, aided and abetted by the Biden administration with both political support and billions towards weapons and military aid.”

Saturday's signature by Biden to complete a $1.66 trillion budget with the second of two packages of legislation included $300 million in defense spending to aid Ukraine. The 1,012-page bill did not include a larger aid package for Ukraine and Israel with a cost of $95.3 billion already approved by the Senate but that House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., says may be months before getting to the president.

Signing with Hong were state Sens. Ryan Clancy, D-Milwaukee, Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, and state Reps. Darrin Madison, D-Milwaukee and Kristina Shelton, D-Green Bay. Some Dane County supervisors and school board members from Milwaukee and ElmBrook also signed.

“It is our duty to lead with conviction and care for the dignity of all peoples. Therefore, we pledge to fill the bubble for ‘uninstructed delegation’ on our ballots in the upcoming presidential primary election,” the group’s letter states. “‘Uninstructed’ shows our unwavering commitment to human rights, to dignity for all, and to true democracy – a democracy by the people, for the people.”