Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley rejoins governor’s race
WISN 12 News has learned Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is re-entering the race for governor, just days after dropping out.
MILWAUKEE —
WISN 12 News has learned Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is re-entering the race for governor, just days after dropping out.
Crowley endorsed former candidate Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez last week, but she dropped out Friday after her campaign was hit with a campaign finance scandal that left her with far less money than she believed.
Crowley was not seen at his courthouse office Friday as he deliberated his next move.
The four remaining candidates shared their thoughts Friday on the possibility of Crowley rejoining the race.
“It wouldn’t matter if there were two people in the primary or 20 people in the primary; we are going to be focused on Tom Tiffany and beating him in the general election,” said Mandella Barnes moments after learning Rodriguez was out, and Crowley might hop back in.
State Sen. Kelda Roys voiced her concerns about the potential impact of additional candidates.
“We have a very important task in November, and that is beating Tom Tiffany. Now is not the time to move backwards and be in more disarray,” Roys said.
When asked if Crowley’s earlier decision to drop out disqualified him, candidate Joel Brennan said Friday, “No. I mean, candidates decide when it’s time to go, when it’s time to pull the plug. They do it with themselves, they do it with their family.”
State Rep. Francesca Hong, meanwhile, said a Crowley return wouldn’t change her strategy in the governor’s race.
“I think the county executive ran a strong race, and should he come back into the race, that gives voters another option, perhaps. However, I think the voters right now, many of them are with us, and we will continue to grow our momentum,” Hong said.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee political science professor Mordecai Lee noted the challenges Crowley could face if he re-enters the race.
“It’s easy enough to drop out and drop in, but you have to think about the realities of money, the realities of politics, and the dynamic of where the race is going,” Lee said.
The Democratic primary is scheduled for Aug. 11, with the winner set to face Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany in November.