Democrats favor more local control in Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Latest on Democrats' gubernatorial candidate forum in Milwaukee. (all times local):

3 p.m.

The eight Democrats running for governor of Wisconsin expressed support for giving more control to local governments during a forum focused on issues impacting Milwaukee.

The candidates all said in varying degrees that they would favor allowing municipalities to raise revenue to make improvements to transportation infrastructure, for example.

The forum moderated Friday by Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele centered on the issue that local governments receive less state aid than the tax receipts they provide to Wisconsin under a shared revenue system.

The Democrat gubernatorial candidates are: Tony Evers, Mahlon Mitchell, Matt Flynn, Josh Pade, Kelda Roys, Mike McCabe, Paul Soglin, and Kathleen Vinehout. They will face off Aug. 14 in a primary to decide who will challenge Republican Gov. Scott Walker in November.

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1:45 p.m.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tony Evers is launching a new ad ripping Republican Gov. Scott Walker as anti-education.

Evers, the state schools superintendent, announced the ad Friday. His campaign says the 30-second spot will run statewide.

Evers says in the ad that Walker doesn't understand educating children and building a skilled workforce is essential to strengthening the middle class. He says that's why Walker has been the most anti-education governor Wisconsin has ever seen.

Evers has emerged as the front-runner in an eight-candidate Democratic gubernatorial field. Voters will choose the nominee in an Aug. 14 primary.

Evers and Walker have been working to portray themselves as the most pro-education candidates. Walker's campaign referred a request for comment to the state GOP. Party spokesman Alec Zimmerman didn't immediately reply to an email.

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