John --

I've got a busy Fall ahead!

With the impending release of my book, which promises to be a comprehensive look at how we got to this place of insanity in our politics, I realized my writing needed to be more than a one and done shot... so I'm launching a Substack.

If you're unfamiliar, Substack hosts thousands of online newsletters, blogs, and even some news websites. This is different -- I promise. For one thing, I’m bringing to the ‘stack’ more than a decade of pent-up secrets, a wealth of observations about the craven nature of the many hacks trusted with the country’s future, and insider takes on the ridiculous world of insecure, incompetent, and selfish debate-team savants who flimflam the nation. And with a little unpacking their tricks come into focus.

I'll also be sharing my thoughts on UFOs, fatherhood, saving democracy, flying airplanes, Ukraine... the list goes on. So if any of that sounds interesting, be sure to subscribe for free or check out the upgrade options that contain more private insights and sensitive topics.

As for my book, RENEGADE, it will be published at the end of October and accompanied by a big tour. You can pre-order the book and check out the tour dates here. It would be great to see lots of Country First members at each of the stops!

>> Also, as a fundraiser for Country First, you can reserve a signed copy here, that will arrive a week or two after the book is released.

Finally, I was really inspired by last week's Dash for Democracy and the 150,000+ people who engaged with our programming. If you didn't check out our Inaugural Battle of the Bands, in which the winner was selected with Ranked-Choice Voting, you can view all the fun performances here. And congrats to the winner: Kid Sister Band from Warrenton, VA!

That's all for now. From my family to yours, hope all is well in your world, and that our paths cross soon.

Country First,

Adam

PS: Check out the Movement Memo below, created for you by Country First volunteers!

Each week, Country First highlights a key volunteer who has demonstrated placing Country over Party. If you would like to submit someone who has made a positive impact on your experience with Country First, please email [email protected]. 

MEET TANNER BOLES

Where are you from and how long have you been a volunteer for Country First?

I am from Guthrie, Oklahoma and I have been a volunteer for Country First since early 2022. 

What has been your focus at Country First?

I started volunteering with Country First in the middle part of last year, with a focus on helping with the Primary First initiative during the mid-terms. I volunteered and made calls for the Peter Meijer campaign. I don't have a solid focus at the moment but very much hope to be of service during next year's election. 

What was your motivation for joining Country First and how did you hear about us?

My motivation for joining Country First was to empower myself and join with others to effect change. I wanted to do anything I could to prevent Donald Trump and his allies from usurping our government and perverting our democracy further. It's been a minute, but I believe I was looking into Adam Kinzinger on Google and I learned about Country First. 

What are your hopes for America in the coming years and generations?

My hope for America is that we can get a big enough majority to defeat “MAGA” and political extremism. I hope that we can have two parties again in America that care more about working together for the good of the people than they do about fighting and bashing each other. Basically, I hope future generations see a day where we can all be united by the fact that we are Americans. 

Do you think we can right the ship?

I go back and forth on this question day by day. Personally, I feel like there are many things in our political system that need to be fixed before we can completely right the ship. Obviously, gerrymandering needs to be done away with because it only breeds animosity and resentment. Policies need to be made and enforced so our representatives care more about representing the people than they do about money from special interests. At a bare minimum, I don't think we can begin changing course unless Donald Trump and his conspirators are held accountable and more Republican officials start telling their constituents the truth.

Thank you, Tanner, for all of your hard work and dedication to promoting and preserving democracy! 

RANKED CHOICE VOTING

Alaska Public Media: North to the future? Alaska’s ranked choice voting system is praised and criticized nationally                                                                                                                              

Alaska’s ranked choice voting system, which was in place for victories for the first Democratic U.S. House member in half a century and the reelection of one of the last remaining moderate Republican U.S. senators, has become a test case for a nation struggling with political polarization. As more states and municipalities consider adopting ranked choice voting, Alaska’s experience is getting increased scrutiny.

Missouri Independent: Mail-in ballots, ranked-choice voting part of Missouri Democratic plan for presidential primary

Democrats in Missouri, like their counterparts nationally, will use 2024 to test a new system for determining the party’s presidential preference now that the public primary for all parties has been abolished. Instead of reverting to a caucus-only system, the process used in most elections prior to 2000, the Missouri Democratic Party is seeking comment on a plan that will use mail-in ballots and four hours of in-person voting on a Saturday – March 23 – to gauge party sentiment.

GERRYMANDERING

Wisconsin Law Journal: A Tale of Two States’ Gerrymandering

While both parties engage in gerrymandering, the dynamics in North Carolina and Wisconsin go beyond mere redistricting fights and offer a vivid illustration of how Republicans are attempting to maintain power regardless of their level of support among voters. The moves could give the GOP disproportionate influence over everything from partisan redistricting to the certification of next year’s presidential election.

STATE OF DEMOCRACY

Washington Post: This is What Taking on Election Deniers Really Looks Like Trump

Governor Shapiro of Pennsylvania will announce that his state is switching to automatic voter registration, potentially adding tens of thousands of voters to the rolls. "I see voter participation as key to strengthening democracy," Shapiro said.      

NPR: Why Some States Are Turning to Nonpartisan Primaries

There's a lot of discontent with America's political system, including with primary elections. Many experts say party-based primaries shut out independent voters and make political polarization worse. That's why some states are turning to nonpartisan primaries.