politics
Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Reflects GOP's Recent Election Challenges
Wisconsin voters will decide a state Supreme Court seat on Tuesday between candidates Chris Taylor and Maria Lazar. Recent polls show Taylor leading, with her campaign raising funds at a 5-to-1 ratio over Lazar. The outcome could expand the court's liberal majority from 4-3 to 5-2, highlighting broader difficulties for the state Republican Party in recent elections.
Apr 4, 5:00 PM·2m read1 source
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Wisconsin is holding a state Supreme Court election on Tuesday for an open seat, following the retirement announcement of conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley. The candidates are Chris Taylor, backed by Democratic interests, and Maria Lazar, favored by conservatives.
The Hill reported that Taylor leads in recent polls and has outraised Lazar by a roughly 5-to-1 margin, potentially shifting the court's balance.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court currently has a 4-3 liberal majority, and a win for Taylor would expand it to 5-2. This race stems from Bradley's decision to retire after her current term, creating an opportunity for a change in composition. The election's outcome will affect future court decisions on various issues, including those related to state laws.
The Hill reported that Republican strategist Ben Voelkel, a former aide to Sen. Ron Johnson, described the state GOP's campaign apparatus as degraded over the past decade, particularly in fundraising. He noted that the party lacks the financial resources it once had compared to Democrats. This situation has made it harder for Republicans to compete in critical elections in Wisconsin.
During a recent debate, Taylor, a state court appellate judge and former Democratic state representative, stated she would have voted against implementing Wisconsin's 1849 abortion ban, citing conflicts with later laws. Lazar, also a state court appellate judge and former assistant attorney general under Republican attorneys general, positioned herself as independent and impartial.
Both candidates have accused each other of extremism, with Lazar emphasizing her experience and Taylor highlighting specific issues like abortion.
The race has received less attention than previous ones, partly because it will not alter the current majority but will make it harder for conservatives to regain control. Some Republicans have expressed frustration that Lazar's campaign has not emphasized issues important to their base.
