Wis., (WLAX, WEUX) – The <a href="https://axiomcore.info/googles-first-suncatcher-orbital-data-center-test-launches-october-1/" title="Google's first Suncatcher orbital data center test launches October 1″>data center debate is hitting Wisconsin’s 3rd congressional district race
Republican incumbent, Derrick Van Orden held a press conference in Menomonie Thursday, looking to clear his record.
This comes as political ads are running criticizing Van Orden for taking campaign contributions from people and organizations tied to the data center industry.
The ads also criticize the congressman for voting for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — which included tax breaks that data center developers have used over the past year.
Van Orden says his opponent, democratic candidate Rebecca Cooke, has worked with the Wisconsin Technology Council and Think Tank Third Way.
Both organizations that have supported data center projects in the past.
“She is responsible for building these data centers right here in Mount Pleasant and in Beaver Dam. And if you notice these before-and-after photos, Rebecca Cook is responsible for covering up pristine Wisconsin farmland to put these data centers there. And that’s irresponsible.”
We reached out to Cooke for a response. She sent us a statement saying in part quote:
“Only one person in this race voted to give an $83 billion tax break to data center developers while cutting health care for millions of Americans, and that’s Derrick Van Orden.”
“I have been a strong advocate for a data center moratorium for months. DVO is late to the party trying to score cheap political points in the final months of a losing campaign.”
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