The Sconi

Electing a liberal state Supreme Court justice in Wisconsin is crucial for the Democratic party, according to the nation's House minority leader. Hakeem Jeffries referred to Susan Crawford as the "Democratic candidate," despite judicial elections in Wisconsin being nonpartisan. The upcoming election on April 1 has Democrats supporting Crawford, a circuit court judge, while Republicans back Brad Schimel, also a circuit court judge and former state attorney general.

Jeffries highlighted the potential impact of congressional maps with an "enlightened supreme court" during a Democrat "National Update and Call to Action." He criticized the current congressional lines that favor six GOP members over two Democrats in Wisconsin, a swing state. On March 17, Jeffries' campaign contributed $18,000 to Crawford's campaign as spending records are shattered for judicial elections.

Crawford and Schimel vie for the seat of outgoing Justice Ann Walsh Bradley. A poll conducted on March 9-10 shows them tied ahead of the April 1 election. The winner will determine which side holds a 4-3 majority in Wisconsin's Supreme Court.

The race has attracted significant funding from out-of-state groups and individuals supporting Democratic causes. Schimel received endorsements from President Donald Trump and NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre. Trump described Crawford as a "Radical Left Liberal" on Truth Social, urging voters to support Schimel.

Two years ago, spending reached $56 million when Janet Protasiewicz secured a liberal majority on the court. Issues like redistricting and abortion have fueled interest in Wisconsin's elections.

Schimel's campaign claims Crawford is backed by George Soros, known for supporting soft-on-crime prosecutors. They cite cases where Crawford gave lighter sentences than recommended by prosecutors.

Since Protasiewicz's election, conservatives have accused the liberal majority of overreach and limiting access to courts. Conservative justice Rebecca Grassl Bradley has criticized these actions in dissenting opinions, accusing liberals of advancing their political agenda at the expense of law.

In one instance, liberals overturned a decision by a then-conservative-led Supreme Court regarding absentee voting laws. This decision opposed GOP legislative preferences but was supported by Democrat Gov. Tony Evers.

"The majority again forsakes the rule of law in an attempt to advance its political agenda," wrote Rebecca Grassl Bradley in her dissenting opinion.

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