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Baylor Spears

@bspears.bsky.social
610 followers 348 following 143 posts

Reporter @WIExaminer || medill alum || tennessean || she/her || ✉️ baylor@wisconsinexaminer.com

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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
ICYMI: The pilot Tom Tiffany has been flying around with for in-state campaigning has deep ties to the state's election conspiracy politics and said in June that if Tiffany loses it will be bc of "cheating" by Democrats. wisconsinexaminer.com/2026/09/24/p...
wisconsinexaminer.com
Pilot for Tom Tiffany deeply involved in election conspiracy politics • Wisconsin Examiner
Records and public statements suggest an ongoing relationship between Tiffany and a Wisconsin election conspiracy theorist.
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Underly says it’s urgent to fix the school funding formula. A challenge to the school funding formula could force lawmakers to have to reconsider it, but if it doesn't, changes will be left up to the appetite of the next governor and the lawmakers in the state Leg. Read more here:
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Henry Redman @henry-redman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Also in this story, the day before Tiffany's campaign prevented a Journal-Sentinel reporter from covering an event, two campaign staffers physically boxed me out while I tried to ask Tiffany about the conspiracy theories espoused by his pilot
The Examiner approached Tiffany for comment for this story at a campaign event in Waukesha County Wednesday evening. Tiffany ducked into his car while two of Tiffany’s staff members, including Alex Walker, the son of former Gov. Scott Walker, physically blocked a reporter as he asked a question.
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Wisconsin Examiner @wisconsinexaminer.com · 24/09/2026
Pilot for Tom Tiffany deeply involved in election conspiracy politics via @bspears.bsky.social and @henry-redman.bsky.social wisconsinexaminer.com/2026/09/24/p...
wisconsinexaminer.com
Pilot for Tom Tiffany deeply involved in election conspiracy politics • Wisconsin Examiner
Records and public statements suggest an ongoing relationship between Tiffany and a Wisconsin election conspiracy theorist.
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
@henry-redman.bsky.social and I dug into the ties the pilot for Tom Tiffany has to election conspiracy politics "I don’t think there’s any question that Tom [Tiffany] will win if we can stop some of the cheating… Cheating is all they’ve got." Boltz said at a Langlade County GOP meeting in June.
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
I was confused this week why state Senate campaigns were talking about China so I looked into
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Pennsylvania Capital-Star @penncapital-star.com · 11/09/2026
On this 9/11 remembrance day, EIC @timlambert-pa.bsky.social reflects on his unique role in the story of Flight 93 over the years -- as a journalist, landowner and caretaker. @statesnewsroom.com
penncapital-star.com
Flight 93 crashed on his land. He remembers the heroes 25 years later. • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
When United Flight 93 crashed in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 11, 2001, Tim Lambert was on his way to work at a public radio station.
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Drake Bentley @drakebentley.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Q&A: David Crowley talks Francesca Hong, data centers, healthcare, Milwaukee’s north side for the first time since becoming Democratic nominee for Wisconsin governor milwaukeecourier.com/news/2026/08...
milwaukeecourier.com
Q&A: David Crowley talks Francesca Hong, data centers, healthcare, Milwaukee’s north side for the first time since becoming Democratic nominee for Wisconsin governor - The Milwaukee Courier
It’s been a whirlwind campaign for Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.  When the 40-year-old sought the Wisconsin governor’s office, he didn’t think this would be the path. Initially polling low...
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Ruth Conniff @rconniff.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
@bspears.bsky.social asked Tom Tiffany if he would eliminate the Wisconsin Elections Commission. He said, "We'll assess that after I'm elected."
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
In my defense, i'm a big chappell roan fan (and pray for the day I get to see her in concert) and probably made this typo, I think, when Shania Twain's Man I Feel Like a Woman was playing I'm never able to get the Let's Go Girls! outta my head
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Crowley just accepted the Democratic nomination in Milwaukee, Hong conceded overnight and here's our coverage of the end to a chaotic primary wisconsinexaminer.com/2026/08/12/d...
wisconsinexaminer.com
Crowley nominated for governor in Democratic primary photo-finish • Wisconsin Examiner
At the end of a chaotic Democratic primary for governor, a long election night wraps up with no clear winner
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Just to clarify, Hong did not concede here, but her party was ended with the race is too close to call and votes still being counted, including in Milwaukee which has had a delay with absentee votes being reported
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Hong shows up to thank volunteers. "In 11 weeks, no matter who's on this ballot, we are going to fight to win for one another," Hong said. "We will win together united. Because everyone who's running in this race they know that we can make better possible and we must make better possible."
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
I'm at Francesca Hong's election night party at Atwood Music Hall in Madison where the crowd of supporters just got really excited as Hong and Crowley's percentages were tied for the first time tonight. @wisconsinexaminer.com
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Polls are open Wisconsin! ✨✨
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Wisconsin Examiner @wisconsinexaminer.com · 10/08/2026
Democratic gubernatorial candidates split on education; advocates see next year as pivotal. @bspears.bsky.social reports. buff.ly/We8SN5l
wisconsinexaminer.com
Democratic gubernatorial candidates split on education; advocates see next year as pivotal  • Wisconsin Examiner
Democratic candidates for governor diverge on how they say they will handle Wisconsin’s school choice programs.
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Sen. Dora Drake, chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, who has so far stayed neutral in the race told the Wisconsin Examiner that she is endorsing Crowley and doesn't think it's too late for him to win. There are six days until Election Day
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Wisconsin Examiner @wisconsinexaminer.com · 05/08/2026
Crowley gains late support as Hong confronts social media controversy. @bspears.bsky.social takes the pulse of the Democratic primary for governor as election day draws near buff.ly/rVpntWI
wisconsinexaminer.com
Crowley gains late support as Hong confronts social media controversy • Wisconsin Examiner
Crowley is gaining late momentum as Hong faces renewed scrutiny about years-old, controversial social media posts.
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Built some interactive maps for this one, give it a scroll through and hover over to see a bit of information about each race!
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Wisconsin Examiner @wisconsinexaminer.com · 30/07/2026
BREAKING: Mandela Barnes drops out of Democratic primary for governor via @bspears.bsky.social wisconsinexaminer.com/2026/07/30/b...
wisconsinexaminer.com
BREAKING: Mandela Barnes drops out of primary for Wisconsin governor • Wisconsin Examiner
Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes suddenly dropped out of the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor Thursday
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
NEWS: Mandela Barnes suspends his campaign for governor, says that "it's become very clear who our nominee is going to be."
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Wisconsin Examiner @wisconsinexaminer.com · 29/07/2026
@bspears.bsky.social recaps the only televised debate in Wisconsin's Democratic primary for governor wisconsinexaminer.com/2026/07/29/w...
wisconsinexaminer.com
Wisconsin Democratic candidates for governor debate, mostly hold back direct attacks • Wisconsin Examiner
Candidates were told they were allowed to speak to one another, but direct back and forth and criticism was minimal throughout the debate.
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Wisconsin Examiner @wisconsinexaminer.com · 29/07/2026
New Marquette Law School Poll shows Francesca Hong even farther ahead of the other candidates in the Democratic primary for governor via @bspears.bsky.social wisconsinexaminer.com/briefs/new-m...
wisconsinexaminer.com
New Marquette Law School poll shows Hong ahead following shakeup in Democratic primary race • Wisconsin Examiner
The latest Marquette poll showed that Hong received support from 38% of likely Democratic primary voters — a 12-point jump.
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Wisconsin Examiner @wisconsinexaminer.com · 28/07/2026
Here's how to watch tonight's only debate among the Democrats vying to run for Wisconsin governor via @bspears.bsky.social wisconsinexaminer.com/briefs/where...
wisconsinexaminer.com
Where to watch tonight’s only televised debate between Democratic primary candidates for governor • Wisconsin Examiner
The five Democratic candidates for governor of Wisconsin will face off in the only televised debate ahead of the Aug. 11 primary at 7 p.m.
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Wisconsin Examiner @wisconsinexaminer.com · 21/07/2026
Democratic candidates in Wisconsin's governor's race discuss inclusive politics and a very bumpy week in the primary via @bspears.bsky.social wisconsinexaminer.com/2026/07/21/d...
wisconsinexaminer.com
Democratic candidates discuss inclusive politics, bumpy primary campaign • Wisconsin Examiner
The forum took place with just three weeks to go before the primary election and following a massive shakeup in the race last week.
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
My colleague @isiahholmes.bsky.social spoke with @davidccrowley.bsky.social and was at his rally in Milwaukee where he relaunched his campaign for governor! Read more here on the shakeup in WI's Dem primary for guv: wisconsinexaminer.com/2026/07/18/c...
wisconsinexaminer.com
Milwaukee County Exec. David Crowley reenters Wisconsin governor’s race with Gov. Evers' endorsement • Wisconsin Examiner
David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive, has reentered the Democratic primary for governor. The winner will face Tom Tiffany in November.
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Evers officially endorses MKE Co. Executive David Crowley in the race for governor.
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley plans to make a "special announcement concerning the Wisconsin Democratic primary race" tomorrow at 11 a.m. in Milwaukee. The Mandela Barnes campaign is out with a statement saying he "left this race for a reason."
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Story here with reactions from candidates and a call for Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley to get back into the race:
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
NEWS: Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropping out of the Democratic primary for governor.
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Wisconsin Examiner @wisconsinexaminer.com · 14/07/2026
Rodriguez says she's staying in the governor's race after firing her campaign manager over finance disaster via @bspears.bsky.social wisconsinexaminer.com/2026/07/13/r...
wisconsinexaminer.com
Rodriguez says she’s staying in gov race after firing campaign manager in finance disaster  • Wisconsin Examiner
Rodriguez called it “bump in the road,” although the error means she has hundreds of thousands of dollars less than she thought.
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Crowley is the second Democrat to drop a bid for the office in recent weeks, narrowing the primary field to five.
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Wisconsin Examiner @wisconsinexaminer.com · 23/06/2026
State Sen. Kelda Roys makes a move to break through crowded Democratic primary. @bspears.bsky.social continues our series of profiles of people aiming to occupy the governor's office next year. buff.ly/Pxq9FcP
wisconsinexaminer.com
State Sen. Kelda Roys makes a move to break through crowded Democratic primary • Wisconsin Examiner
Sen. Kelda Roys is seeking to break through a crowded Democratic primary field in her second run for governor.
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Wisconsin Examiner @wisconsinexaminer.com · 06/07/2026
ICYMI: Francesca Hong bets Wisconsin will embrace Democratic Socialism statewide. @bspears.bsky.social has the latest in our series of profiles ahead of the August gubernatorial primary buff.ly/2kqNpyT
wisconsinexaminer.com
Francesca Hong bets Wisconsin will embrace Democratic Socialism statewide • Wisconsin Examiner
Hong is betting her working-class background and pledge to build a government that works will connect with a broad swath of Wisconsinites.
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Wisconsin Examiner @wisconsinexaminer.com · 05/06/2026
The Wisconsin Examiner will be publishing a series of profiles of candidates in this year's primary and general elections. @bspears.bsky.social is up first with a look at Mandela Barnes, running two years after his near-miss Senate race.
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Barnes leans on statewide experience to make case for Democratic nomination • Wisconsin Examiner
At a forum hosted by the Madison West High School civics club, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes told students that he would be the strongest Democratic candidate for governor because of his previous…
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Wisconsin Examiner @wisconsinexaminer.com · 04/06/2026
Some high-profile election hopefuls fall short of ballot requirements wisconsinexaminer.com/2026/06/03/m...
wisconsinexaminer.com
Some high-profile election hopefuls fall short of ballot requirements • Wisconsin Examiner
Hundreds of candidates filed signatures with the Wisconsin Elections Commission this week to get on the ballot for this year's elections.
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Wisconsin Examiner @wisconsinexaminer.com · 03/06/2026
State Rep. Francesca Hong, one of the leaders in the Democratic primary for governor, was sued last week by Capital One Bank over nearly $30,000 in credit card debt her campaign says has since been paid in full, @henry-redman.bsky.social reports. wisconsinexaminer.com/2026/06/02/c...
wisconsinexaminer.com
Credit card company sues Hong for $30k in since paid debt • Wisconsin Examiner
State Rep. Francesca Hong (D-Madison), a leader in the Democratic primary for governor, was sued last week for nearly $30k in credit card debt
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
hi folks, i'm back from vacay, back to the leg and election season
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
I'm out of state the rest of this week for my sister's graduation, so really thankful @henry-redman.bsky.social could stay late at the Capitol to follow this wild day.
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Wisconsin Examiner @wisconsinexaminer.com · 11/05/2026
Gov. Evers, Wisconsin GOP leaders announce $1.8B tax relief and school funding deal via @bspears.bsky.social wisconsinexaminer.com/2026/05/11/g...
wisconsinexaminer.com
Gov. Tony Evers and GOP announce $1.8 billion tax relief and school funding deal • Wisconsin Examiner
The $1.8 billion deal announced Monday to would provide funding to schools for general aid and special education and provide tax relief.
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Story to come via @wisconsinexaminer.com
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Evers in Barneveld this morning. He'll talk with reporters soon about the $1.8 billion tax/school funding deal reached w/ GOP lawmakers It includes $300 million for school aids, $300 million to reach a 50% special ed reimbursement, $300 tax refunds for individuals, no tax on tips/overtime
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Madison May Day march is making its way to the Wisconsin State Capitol. @wisconsinexaminer.com
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Wisconsin Examiner @wisconsinexaminer.com · 16/04/2026
A GOP-led committee that fancies itself as a state version of DOGE is scrutinizing the Department of Public Instruction's conference a couple of years ago. Democrats aren't impressed. @bspears.bsky.social has the details. buff.ly/OMYECRi
wisconsinexaminer.com
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction argues it didn’t violate law with waterpark meeting • Wisconsin Examiner
Andrew Hoyer-Booth, DPI legislative liaison, told lawmakers at the start of the hearing that it’s a “distraction” from DPI’s work.
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Wisconsin Examiner @wisconsinexaminer.com · 17/04/2026
Senate Democrats lay out affordability agenda, criticize GOP for suspending special session. @bspears.bsky.social has the story.
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Senate Democrats lay out affordability agenda, criticize GOP for suspending special session • Wisconsin Examiner
Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein said her caucus is committed to working to improve affordability in the next legislative session.
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
And more GOP retirements this week wisconsinexaminer.com/briefs/gop-s...
wisconsinexaminer.com
GOP Sen. Jesse James drops challenge against Democratic Sen. Jeff Smith • Wisconsin Examiner
Sen. Jesse James is the the fifth Senate Republican to announce his retirement from office in 2024. Rep. Scott Allen is also retiring.
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
in case you missed it, yesterday's special session on gerrymandering was left open by GOP lawmakers wisconsinexaminer.com/2026/04/15/l...
wisconsinexaminer.com
Lawmakers leave conversations with Evers on gerrymandering, tax relief, school funding open • Wisconsin Examiner
GOP lawmakers left open a special session on gerrymandering Tuesday, saying they want to have further conversations with Evers.
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Wisconsin Examiner @wisconsinexaminer.com · 13/04/2026
ICYMI: Gov. Tony Evers signs sports betting, NIL and internet crimes bills into law, citing his belief in tribal sovreignty. But he also includes a rare signing statement that expresses reservations and says "the real work begins" now. Via @bspears.bsky.social
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Gov. Tony Evers signs sports betting, NIL and internet crimes bills into law • Wisconsin Examiner
“This legislation is the beginning of a conversation, not the end of one,” Gov. Tony Evers said about the sports betting bill.
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Baylor Spears @bspears.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
Erika Colón, president of the Milwaukee Chapter of the Hispanic Nurses Association, said she knows at least two nurses who could come back to Wisconsin bc of the law: “This will be able to bring two people back to the workforce here and to care for our communities that greatly need it."
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Wisconsin Examiner @wisconsinexaminer.com · 10/04/2026
Regents' Prez says Rothman "knows that it was ongoing situations that we had many discussions with him about.” The info led lawmakers to put off vote on firing the regents. Via @bspears.bsky.social buff.ly/rQr4qGm
wisconsinexaminer.com
UW Regents tell lawmakers about dissatisfaction with president they fired • Wisconsin Examiner
Regent President Amy Bogost and Regent Timothy Nixon said President Jay Rothman had been told about the changes the regents wanted to see.
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