The Stakes – and the Campaign Spending – are High in April 4 Wisconsin Supreme Court Race

Brian Beihl

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for March 21, 2023

Today’s Links

Articles & Resources:
Politico – The biggest election of 2023 reaches final sprint

Wisconsin Politics – New independent expenditures push Supreme Court spending to nearly $30 million
The Guardian – In Wisconsin’s supreme court race, a super-rich beer family calls the shots
NBC News – Everytown launches ad campaign attacking conservative in WI Supreme Court race
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Secretary of State Doug La Follette to retire, Gov. Tony Evers appoints Sarah Godlewski to post
My Vote Wisconsin – Deadlines and Registration Information for April 4th Election

Today’s Script:  (Variations occur with audio due to editing for time)

You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.

We’re in the land of cheese, beer and partisan politics today.  Swing state Wisconsin not only has a pivotal state supreme court election on April 4th – the most expensive in U.S. history – its Secretary of State also just announced his retirement, creating a firestorm over his appointed replacement.

In February, liberal-leaning Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Janet Protasiewicz and conservative former state Supreme Court Justice Daniel Kelly won a primary election among four candidates.  With the general election fast approaching April 4th, an estimated $30 Million or more may be spent on the campaigns, making it the most expensive state supreme court race in U.S. history. 

Hanging in the balance is majority control of the court, currently a 4-3 conservative lean, which could impact reproductive rights, gun legislation, voting rights, and gerrymandering. Should the court shift, so could Wisconsin’s gerrymandered voting districts, which could not only change Wisconsin’s House & Senate, but its Congressional seats as well.

Also in Wisconsin news was the retirement of its long time Secretary of State, Doug La Follette, and the appointment of his successor, former State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski.  La Follette was just re-elected in November, causing critics to accuse Governor Tony Evers of planning  to subvert the voters, and they demand another special election.   

Wisconsin voters, March 31st is the deadline to register to vote at your municipal clerk’s office.  

We have articles and resources at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org.  I’m Brian Beihl.

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