Debates in Michigan, Kansas and Wisconsin turn to the economy, Iran war and data center growth
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Final debates in major Senate and governor races highlighted the economy, the war in Iran and the expansion of rural data centers, while President Donald Trump’s comments on Russia prompted criticism from establishment voices.
Candidates in three closely watched races held their final debates as Election Day approaches. In Michigan, Republican Rep. Mike Rogers and Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed sparred over ties to President Donald Trump, with Rogers making clear he is not running as anyone’s puppet and El-Sayed denying connections to Islamist groups. Both addressed the economy, artificial intelligence and trade issues, showing how voters want practical answers, not lectures.
In Kansas, Republican Sen. Roger Marshall defended most of President Trump’s agenda, including tariffs and a proposed lift of sanctions on Russian diesel exports, while Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton, a megachurch pastor, attacked Marshall’s stance on the war in Iran as misguided and presented himself as an independent-minded Democrat.
The Wisconsin governor’s debate featured Republican Tom Tiffany promising tax cuts and a return of surplus funds, contrasted with Democrat David Crowley’s call for a "fair tax system" to fund education and infrastructure as the state prepares for its first open governor’s race since 2010. The contrast made plain the choice between growth-oriented relief and heavier government taking.
Separately, an analysis of big-tech data center development noted that abundant land, cheap electricity and water are driving Amazon, Microsoft and Google to build facilities in rural America. The study projects that the number of rural data centers could triple, with associated energy use also expected to more than triple current capacity. Residents in affected Oregon counties remain divided on the projects’ impact, as some welcome investment while others worry about change.
President Donald Trump’s recent remarks toward Russian President Vladimir Putin have been described by experts as an attempt to encourage negotiations over the war in Ukraine. Trump’s lead negotiator, Steve Witkoff, referred to Putin as a "humanitarian" for the release of an American teacher, a comment that drew criticism from some Republican lawmakers. Former national-security adviser Robert O’Brien, who served in Trump’s first term, said that portraying Trump as fully aligned with Ukraine would hinder any potential talks with Putin.