Former Lt. Gov. Mandela ended his campaign for governor this afternoon. In a social media post, Barnes was upbeat, expressed gratitude to his supporters, and asked them to stay focused on defeating Republican US Rep. Tom Tiffany in November.

What timing, as noted by JR Ross at WisPolitics, coming four years and a day after Barnes’ last challenger pulled out of the Democratic US Senate primary, clearing the field for him to challenge Sen. Ron Johnson. The field did not clear for Barnes this time, and he’s now facing reports from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about accusations he was taking advantage of his leadership position to have sexual encounters with young adult women.

🤯  Can you believe everything that has happened in a three-week span? Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley leaving the race and endorsing Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, the end of the Rodriguez campaign amid a campaign finance scandal, Crowley’s return to the campaign, polls showing Rep. Francesca Hong with more support than all the other candidates combined, and now the withdrawal of Barnes, who had the highest name recognition going into the race.

With what seems to be an ever-present possibility of more breaking news, it’s no wonder Sen. Kelda Roys and former Administration Secretary Joel Brennan are staying in the race for now. And Barnes’ exit means Crowley has a better chance to make the most of his endorsement from Gov. Tony Evers, with Politico reporting that Evers will appear at upcoming Crowley fundraisers.

🎣  Things are changing faster than a supper club menu when the Sysco food truck drops off a double order of ribeye but they forget the cod filets. Surf ‘n turf becomes turf ‘n turf real fast!

So forgive the cliche, but stay tuned. Stay on top of our social media feeds on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and more. And have a great weekend.

Image from WISN-TV debate coverage

📺  The five Democratic candidates running for Wisconsin governor avoided direct attacks in their only televised debate of the primary campaign.

Two WISN-TV reporters posed questions about electability, property tax relief, pledges to raise taxes on the wealthy, vouchers, data centers, and funding police and public safety programs to the slate of active candidates (prior to Barnes’ exit from the race). 

Hong was asked about her membership in the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and whether there were parts of the DSA national platform she opposed. Crowley was asked whether he rushed to judgement about the recent Madison police shooting death of a suspect officers were trying to subdue. Roys and Brennan were asked if their poll numbers are a sign they should exit the race.

Read about their responses to these questions and much more by checking out the the full version of my story on our website.

This week’s televised debate between the Democratic gubernatorial candidates did not have any questions about healthcare. With five candidates and only 60 minutes, some topics couldn’t get covered. And yet there was time for the moderators to ask about all those oppressed millionaires… 🙄

“We want to know what you define as rich,” they asked. “What is the specific income level where taxes would go up and what percentage would that top tax bracket pay? What if all of the millionaires leave the state and go to a state near us that has a flat tax or a lower tax rate and all of (your) plans collapse?”

💰  The candidates all pointed to annual incomes of $1 million for some fairly modest increase in state income taxes, maybe one percent. Keep in mind that the higher rate only applies to income above $1 million, so someone’s millionth dollar stays taxed at 7.65% while everything more than that would be taxed at 8.65%, in this example.

Let’s be bold and raise the bar two points, to 9.65%, for this week’s question. After all, Democrats are going to be criticized by Republicans as “pro-tax” no matter what numbers they use, so what would you say? 

Click the blue box above to visit our website and select the answer closest to your point of view. We’d really appreciate you adding your comments and your first name and hometown.

We asked if you thought the Democratic gubernatorial primary race was going to get tighter by Aug. 11 or if a leader would start to pull away.

34% chose 🄰: The winner will get at least 40% and win by five points or more.

21% chose 🄱: The winner will get at least 40%, but someone else will come very close.

39% chose 🄲: The winner will get less than 40% but still be a clear winner.

5% chose 🄳: The race will be very close, with someone winning by about 1% or less.

👉🏼 Nancy in Rib Mountain: “I feel the more they bash Hong, the further ahead she gets. Dems need to realize people want change.”

👉🏼 Tom in Minocqua: “I’m simply frustrated and sad approaching this election, mainly because I wish the Dems had a better candidate. Doesn’t Wisconsin have a Josh Shapiro, an Andy Beshear, or a Wes Moore?”

👉🏼 Jim from Appleton: “This is going to be a close one. All the candidates have pluses and minuses. Overall they’re all good people.”

👉🏼 Peggy from Neenah: “There’s a quiet energy and determination to turn out the vote here in Winnebago County. We are relentless canvassers and have turned this county blue by doing exactly what Ben Wikler describes in his book: talking to family, friends, our card playing group, exercise group.” 

Thank you for your responses!

Every week we bring you a list of events and action opportunities to make a difference in your community and across Wisconsin. One of the most impactful ways to make a difference doesn’t involve a forum, a canvass, or a picnic — it’s by voting. The primary election is Tuesday, Aug. 11, which means it’s time to get ready to cast your ballot (if you haven’t already).

Now thru Aug. 9 – In-person early absentee voting: Voters can go to their municipal clerk’s office or a designated early voting location to cast a ballot during this period. That ballot is then stored by the clerk and counted on Election Day.

Office hours vary by municipality, and some municipal offices may not offer additional in-person absentee hours. Check with your municipal clerk for more information. You can find information about your local clerk at MyVote.wi.gov.

Aug. 11 – Election Day – Vote in person: Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. If you’re in line by 8 p.m., stay in line. It is your legal right to cast your ballot. 

Deadline to return your absentee ballot: You must return your absentee ballot so it is received by your municipal clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you have yet to return your absentee ballot, it’s recommended to drop your ballot off at your municipal clerk’s office or another authorized absentee ballot return location to avoid postal delays.

Send your events and announcements to Abigail Deatrick, UpNorthNews’ regional community development organizer, at least one week before the event to see them here.

📱 Remember, you can stay up to date all day with all of our team’s work through our social media feeds, including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

🏁 Thanks for reading our update.

Have a great weekend!