(The Center Square) – The five Democrats running for governor will take part in a debate at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, two weeks before the state’s Aug. 11 primary.
Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Rep. Francesca Hong, businessman Joel Brennan, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and state Sen. Kelda Roys will be at the hourlong event, hosted by WISN. It will be moderated by WISN’s Gerron Jordan and Matt Smith and streamed for free along with running on stations such as Green Bay (WBAY), Madison (WKOW), Wausau (WAOW), Eau Claire (WQOW) and La Crosse (WXOW).
Hong led the race again in the most recent Marquette Poll, which included Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez but not Crowley, because Rodriguez withdrew from the race after polling was completed. Crowley reentered the race after Rodriguez left.
Hong was vocal in her criticism of Madison Police after the shooting of Corey Ruiz, who reportedly had a knife, by officers. She called the shooting an execution while Barnes called for transparency and Crowley said that it was a reminder of other tragedies in the state.
Crowley has also faced questions about postings on his old “Dirt McGirk” Twitter account.
Early voting has already begun with lawsuits filed last week to change Wisconsin Election Commission guidance that early arriving absentee ballots cannot be spoiled and recast after Rodriguez dropped out of the race and to allow provisional ballots from those whose absentee ballots were not expected to arrive by Election Day due to U.S. Postal Service delays.
Republican congressman Tom Tiffany is the overwhelming favorite to win the Republican nomination over Andy Manske in the primary.
