New Delhi, July 28 -- MADISON - The Democratic Party's consolidation strategy for Wisconsin's August 11 gubernatorial primary collapsed before it formally existed. Sara Rodriguez, the former lieutenant governor who had emerged as the establishment's preferred candidate, withdrew after a campaign finance scandal involving her manager. David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive, re-entered the contest July 18 carrying Governor Tony Evers' endorsement. And Francesca Hong, a Madison state representative backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, watched the implosion from atop the only published poll of the race.

a snapshot of a race the party was still trying to consolidate when the surveying happened.

Hong, 35, has served in the Wisco...