Wisconsin voters may get only one televised debate between Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Crowley and Republican Tom Tiffany before the November 3 election.
On the latest Decision Wisconsin podcast, Adam Roberts and Neal Doyle discussed the cancellation of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association’s planned October 9 debate. The WBA Foundation has hosted statewide political debates for decades, but this year’s event was scrapped after both campaigns did not agree to participate.
Crowley’s campaign said it had been prepared to take part. Tiffany, meanwhile, later said he believes one debate is sufficient and pointed to the already scheduled matchup on WISN 12.
The shift reflects a broader trend in Wisconsin politics. Roberts and Doyle noted that gubernatorial candidates have participated in fewer debates over recent election cycles, raising questions about whether campaigns increasingly prefer social media and direct messaging over traditional televised forums.
The remaining debate is scheduled for October 21, with WISN 12’s Matt Smith and Gerron Jordan set to moderate.
With both campaigns also keeping a relatively low media profile since the primary, the lone debate could become one of the most important opportunities for Wisconsin voters to hear Crowley and Tiffany directly compare their visions for the state.
