“Nobody is coming to save us,” was David Crowley’s message to a packed classroom in Bolton Hall at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The gubernatorial candidate addressed the College Democrats at UWM on Thursday, September 24.
Crowley was a late addition to the event’s itinerary, which began as a meet-and-greet for Yee Leng Xiong, Wisconsin’s Democratic candidate for state treasurer. Xiong kicked off the night with a synopsis of his life, career and candidacy. Next, he introduced Crowley, who followed a similar path. Afterwards, he opened the floor for Q&A.
Does Crowley deserve your vote in November? I’ve outlined some of his main policies to help you decide on the left’s nominee.
AI Data Centers
Many campus voters have been frustrated by Crowley’s opposition to a Francesca Hong-proposed moratorium on AI data centers. I asked Crowley his stance on it.
“I don’t believe the state should preempt any local community,” Crowley said. “No community should be able to enter a non-disclosure agreement (with data centers).” Interesting of him to mention a stance against NDAs with data centers, as Tiffany has a similar platform.
“When it comes down to data centers, we have to protect ourselves,” said Crowley. “I think that when a lot of people hear a moratorium, they think we’re gonna stop data centers that are being built, and you can’t do that. You can’t stop what’s already being built.”
One student noted, “You can stop future projects.”
“We can stop future projects based on the environmental standards that we’re gonna put in place when I become the next governor,” Crowley responded. This response doesn’t give a clear plan of action to halt future construction or regulate already present data centers.
Crowley’s answer fails to address the real concern that a moratorium would have met: preventing new construction from taking place going forward, giving a 12-month hiatus, allowing lawmakers to come to a consensus on regulation.
On the topic of data centers, those who oppose their presence in communities aren’t really left with good options here.
“Tiffany has called for repealing the state tax incentive for data centers, while Crowley has not. Both have called for stricter regulation,” according to PBS.
It’s important to note that Tiffany voted for the SPEED Act, which, as the name suggests, was designed to speed up the construction of data centers, per the Milwaukee Courier. As far as voting record goes, Tiffany has supported data centers in the past.
Both candidates are interested in throwing jabs at each other on AI. However, as mentioned, their policies are similar; look no further than their respective websites.
David Crowley’s website states: “If local communities don’t want a data center, they shouldn’t be forced to have a data center. No ifs, ands or buts.” While Tiffany’s website says, “Give local communities the final say.”
Other Policy
In fairness, we must look at the flip side of Crowley’s showing at UWM. A gubernatorial candidate meeting with voters, taking questions and thanking supporters. I’d be remiss if I didn’t highlight his stated plan of raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour immediately and $20 per hour statewide by 2030.
On the topic of ICE, Crowley said, “We will not allow them to come into our communities.” Though it’s worth noting that the governor doesn’t have direct control over preventing ICE’s entrance, as we saw previously with Tim Walz, when ICE raided Minneapolis.
Many students echo the exact concerns Crowley spoke on, though many may have more liberal views. Nevertheless, Crowley is a better option for liberal voters than a no vote, given his opponent’s voting record.
“Come talk to me.”
To those who voted for Hong in the primaries and aren’t planning on voting in November, Crowley says to “come talk to me.” He mentioned numerous times that his door is open. This invitation extends beyond leftists, saying, “I’m speaking to people who want to listen.”
Crowley seems interested in making real changes to public policy. How you view those changes is for you, the voter, to decide.
The Decision
The latest Marquette Law Poll from September 30 shows Crowley narrowly leading Tiffany, 49% to 46%. Polls aren’t the whole picture, just a snapshot of public opinion.
The showdown is here. On November 3, it’s President Trump-endorsed Tiffany vs. Governor Evers-endorsed Crowley.
Who do you want to take the reins of our state’s biggest office?