MILWAUKEE: Following Wednesday’s only Gubernatorial Debate, Nick Truog the Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin Black Caucus has released the following statement:

“Last night, the only statewide televised debate for governor revealed a stark contrast between David Crowley and Congressman Tom Tiffany. Despite a 15-year career as an elected official who sat nearly a decade on the State Joint Finance Committee responsible for writing and passing our state budgets, Tom Tiffany lacked the knowledge, depth, and aptitude to enact his own campaign promises. David Crowley demonstrated that as Milwaukee County Executive, he is the only battle-tested and qualified candidate to lead Wisconsin on day one.

Throughout the 60-minute debate, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley outlined his plans to make life more affordable for all Wisconsinites. When it came to returning the $3 billion budget surplus, Crowley proposed funding public education to reduce property taxes, expand healthcare and childcare to lower costs for families, and support local government to decrease local taxes and fees. In contrast, Tom Tiffany provided no specific or clear answers when asked about how he would return the surplus money to the people.

When asked about how he would provide his massive tax cuts while replacing funding sources for critical state programs, Tiffany offered no answers and declined to fully legalize marijuana. Finally, despite emphasizing the importance of increasing shared revenue to local communities, David Crowley stood out as the only candidate who has delivered critical funding for fire, police, and medical services with Act 12 unlike Tom Tiffany.

When the talking points are stripped away, Tom Tiffany lacks the executive experience and concrete plan to fulfill his promises. Tiffany knows he cannot cut taxes at the magnitude he wants without cutting the programs that keep many Wisconsinites afloat. His performance last night demonstrates that he lacks the merit to make tough decisions, do the job and lead independently.

David Crowley, on the other hand, presented receipts, specifics and a record of getting things done. In an affordability crisis, Wisconsinites need a governor who has the merit, qualifications, and experience to lower costs and deliver results on day one. David Crowley is the most and only qualified candidate capable of doing the job.”