JANESVILLE — U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, state Sen. Mark Spreitzer, state Rep. Ann Roe, organizers and others rallied hundreds of protesters Saturday at the “No Kings” rally Oct. 28 in downtown Janesville.
Town Hall Coalition spokeswoman Coral Swanson said that, “unlike the current 1st Congressional District representative, Pocan is not afraid to stand up to Donald Trump’s drive to create an imperial, corrupt presidency by abandoning our Constitution.”
“Pocan asked to participate, and coalition members were divided about how to respond,” Swanson said. “The result of discussion among members, who come from a variety of political viewpoints, was to welcome Pocan to speak briefly, following the rules set for other speakers.”
The Town Hall Coalition is not a part of the Democratic or any party, the news release said.
It was formed this spring by local residents from a variety of political viewpoints who remain independent and ready to oppose a government operating on anti-democratic, anti-constitutional and autocratic principles.
Frank Schultz, a Town Hall Coalition member said, “We advocate for a return to the rule of law in which judges, politicians and the institutions of our society are not threatened or penalized for doing their jobs. We advocate for a return to the path of progress toward a more equitable society for all.”
The Court and River streets group marched over the Rock River to join park attendees at 9:45 a.m. DJ music begins at 10 a.m. and the event concluded at noon.
The “No Kings” rally is taking place in more than 2,500 small towns and big cities across the county on Oct.18.
A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to peaceful, non-violent action.