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Democratic Socialists in Wisconsin Face Critical Test Amid Campaign Finance Scandals

Democratic Socialists in Wisconsin Face Critical Test Amid Campaign Finance Scandals

Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist and state assemblywoman from Madison, is leading the Democratic field in Wisconsin's gubernatorial race. Her candidacy comes at a time when the Democratic Party is experiencing significant internal shifts, with progressive insurgencies gaining traction in various parts of the country. Hong's main Democratic rivals, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, have exited the race due to campaign finance scandals, leaving Hong as the frontrunner. Despite efforts by outgoing Governor Tony Evers and others to rally support for a more moderate candidate, David Crowley, Hong remains the leading contender. Her campaign has faced criticism from Republican US Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has linked her to the Democratic Socialists of America and highlighted her past comments on defunding the police.
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Wisconsin Governor Race: Key Candidates and Their Platforms

Wisconsin Governor Race: Key Candidates and Their Platforms

As the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary approaches, voters are evaluating candidates from both major parties. On the Democratic side, candidates include Francesca Hong, David Crowley, Kelda Roys, and Joel Brennan. Each candidate presents distinct policy proposals, such as Hong's focus on legalizing marijuana to fund rural broadband and Crowley's emphasis on making Wisconsin the healthiest state in the Midwest. On the Republican side, U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany is a leading candidate, advocating for reduced regulations and opposing certain educational and social policies. The primary is set for August 11, with significant voter indecision reported in recent polls.
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Data Centers Emerge as Key Issue in Wisconsin Governor's Race

Data Centers Emerge as Key Issue in Wisconsin Governor's Race

Data centers have become a central issue in the Wisconsin governor's race, with candidates debating their environmental and economic impacts. Democratic candidates, including state Rep. Francesca Hong, are advocating for clean energy commitments from data centers, while Republican candidate Tom Tiffany supports keeping coal plants operational to meet energy demands. The debate is fueled by concerns over the environmental impact of new gas plants planned to power these centers, as well as the economic incentives provided to developers.
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Francesca Hong Faces Right-Wing Media Scrutiny Over Mental Health History

Francesca Hong Faces Right-Wing Media Scrutiny Over Mental Health History

Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong is under scrutiny from right-wing media outlets, including the Post Millennial and the Gateway Pundit, for her past mental health struggles. The media outlets resurfaced a 2023 interview where Hong discussed her hospitalization for a mental breakdown and a bipolar disorder diagnosis. Hong, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, is a leading candidate in the Democratic primary for the Wisconsin gubernatorial election. Her campaign emphasizes mental health policies, advocating for increased community resources and culturally relevant care. Hong has responded to the attacks by highlighting her mental health journey as a source of empathy and strength, emphasizing the importance of open discussions about mental health.
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Labor Unions Rally Behind David Crowley in Wisconsin Gubernatorial Race

Labor Unions Rally Behind David Crowley in Wisconsin Gubernatorial Race

David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive, is receiving strong support from labor unions as he campaigns for governor of Wisconsin. Leaders from various labor and skilled trades unions have endorsed Crowley, highlighting his role in securing union jobs through the American Family Field deal, which keeps the Milwaukee Brewers in the city until 2050. This deal, while controversial due to taxpayer funding of $500 million for stadium upgrades, is seen by unions as beneficial for job security. Crowley has focused his campaign on labor policies, including repealing Act 10, restoring prevailing wage laws, and expanding apprenticeship programs. Despite challenges in gaining traction among Democratic voters, Crowley remains focused on his policy agenda and electability, emphasizing his executive experience and ability to deliver results.
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U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany Criticizes Madison's Spending on Encampment

U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany Criticizes Madison's Spending on Encampment

U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany has criticized the city of Madison for spending what he describes as 'hundreds of thousands of dollars' to support an illegal encampment. According to Tiffany, the encampment is blocking streets, disrupting businesses, and hindering emergency access. The city has reportedly provided services such as porta-potties and trash collection to sustain the encampment. This criticism comes in the context of Tiffany's campaign for the Republican nomination for Wisconsin governor. The encampment formed following a police shooting incident in Madison, which has sparked public debate and financial scrutiny. Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway has acknowledged the financial toll of the encampment, estimating costs in the hundreds of thousands, primarily due to staff overtime. The city plans to release a final accounting of the costs, which may require a budget amendment.
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Wisconsin Primary Elections: Key Matchups and Implications for November

Wisconsin Primary Elections: Key Matchups and Implications for November

The upcoming Wisconsin primary elections feature several key races that could significantly impact the political landscape in the state. In the 6th Congressional District, Amanda Bell and Brad Smith are competing in the Democratic primary, with the winner facing Republican Glenn Grothman and other candidates in November. The 3rd Congressional District is another focal point, where Republican Derrick Van Orden will face either Rebecca Cooke or Emily Berge. Additionally, the Democratic primary for state treasurer sees Yee Leng Xiong and Dylan Helmenstine vying for the chance to challenge the incumbent Republican. These primaries are crucial as they will determine the candidates for the general election, influencing control over Congress and the Wisconsin Legislature.
AP News AP News
US efforts to deport Palestinian mosque leader rely on coerced confessions, witness testifies

US efforts to deport Palestinian mosque leader rely on coerced confessions, witness testifies

A former attorney says Israeli authorities coerced the leader of Wisconsin’s largest mosque into confessing to crimes and that the U.S. is wrongfully relying on those convictions to deport him
USA Today USA Today
Pittsburgh ranks as cloudiest major city in US, and science shows why

Pittsburgh ranks as cloudiest major city in US, and science shows why

On average, Pittsburgh has the most cloudy days per year of all major U.S. cities, according to a new report.
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IAT Insurance Group Seeks Business Data Analyst for Hybrid Role

IAT Insurance Group Seeks Business Data Analyst for Hybrid Role

IAT Insurance Group Seeks Business Data Analyst for Hybrid Role
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Ben Wikler Advocates for Systemic Reforms to Strengthen American Democracy

Ben Wikler Advocates for Systemic Reforms to Strengthen American Democracy

Ben Wikler, a prominent Democratic organizer and chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, is advocating for systemic reforms to strengthen American democracy. In his new book, 'This Is the Plan,' Wikler outlines a strategy to address the dysfunctions in American electioneering and governance, such as money in politics, gerrymandering, and the Electoral College. He emphasizes the need for Democrats to focus on state-level elections to secure governing trifectas in key battleground states, which are crucial for the 2028 presidential election. Wikler's plan also includes advocating for the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact to ensure that the presidency reflects the national popular vote. His approach is rooted in grassroots organizing and aims to empower voters to drive economic, social, and racial justice.
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Congressman Jim Clyburn Supports Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan Democratic Primary

Congressman Jim Clyburn Supports Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan Democratic Primary

Congressman Jim Clyburn of South Carolina has actively campaigned for Rep. Haley Stevens in the Michigan Democratic primary, emphasizing her ability to energize a broad coalition of Democratic voters. This primary race, featuring Stevens and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, has highlighted ideological and generational divides within the Democratic Party. Stevens has garnered support from moderates and establishment figures, while El-Sayed is favored by progressives. The primary is one of the most expensive in the country, with over $80 million spent on advertising. The outcome of this race is crucial as Michigan is a key state that could influence which party controls the U.S. Senate.