Wisconsin’s Supreme Court justices divide sharply on the recusal issue. Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson and Justices Ann Walsh Bradley and Patrick Crooks have sought stricter standards, while Justices David Prosser, Patience Roggensack, Annette Ziegler and Michael Gableman have voted to let judges take part in cases involving campaign supporters and against allowing a court majority to force a justice’s removal.
Category: Government
Posted inGovernment, Justice & Safety
Recusal disputes drive tension among Supreme Court justices
Wisconsin has a loose and secretive system for determining when judges and justices should recuse themselves though most other states have clearer, more objective recusal standards. The issue of judicial recusal has sparked sharp disagreements among a court known for its internal discord.
Posted inGovernment, Justice & Safety
Supreme Court opts to close some meetings
After nearly two hours of often-contentious discussion, a sharply divided Wisconsin Supreme Court voted Monday to end its longstanding practice of discussing court administrative matters in open conference.
Posted inEconomy, Health & Welfare, Money & Politics
Bills would let health providers say, ‘I’m sorry’
A couple of years ago, Dr. Erik Severson transferred a heart patient to a different hospital. When the man died under Severson’s care, the physician took a risk as he broke the news to the man’s son. He apologized — although he knew his words could be used against him in court. Now a Republican lawmaker, Severson has introduced a bill to let doctors do just that without fearing malpractice.
Posted inGovernment, Money & Politics
Justices Crooks, Bradley: Time to consider merit selection
Two Wisconsin Supreme Court justices are calling for the state to consider ending direct elections of court members, citing the negative role of money in judicial campaigns.
Posted inMoney & Politics
Data: Wisconsin residents contribute modest totals to ‘super PACs’
Eighteen people with Wisconsin ties are among the donors to so-called “super PACs,” a new breed of campaign fundraising machine. But compared to Texas, New York and California, where super PACs raised upwards of $10 million, those Wisconsin donors contributed a whole lot less.
Posted inMoney & Politics, Money & Politics Column
Data: Wisconsin residents contribute modest totals to ‘super PACs’
Compared to Texas, New York and California, where super PACs raised upwards of $10 million, the few Wisconsin donors contributed a whole lot less in 2011. Search our database of $93 million worth of itemized contributions from across the nation.
Posted inEconomy, Government
Spectrum deal had stealth component
Spectrum Brands began its successful quest for a $4 million award from the state without revealing its identity or that it was already based in Wisconsin, public records show. Its hired consultant also suggested that the backlash over Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s budget repair bill made his unidentified client reluctant to pick Madison — where it was, in fact, already located.
Posted inGov. Scott Walker: Uniter, Divider, Government, Money & Politics
Man on a mission
Gov. Scott Walker’s sense of mission has often brought controversy. While his supporters say his boldness will be rewarded, his critics blame him for dividing the state. Part three in a three-part series.
Posted inGov. Scott Walker: Uniter, Divider, Government, Money & Politics
Walker does it his way
Gov. Scott Walker says the main reason he’s held firm on core issues is that it was right: “The objective if you get elected is to do the things you said you were going to do for voters.” Part two of a three-part series.
Posted inGov. Scott Walker: Uniter, Divider, Government, Money & Politics
Love him or hate him
Gov. Scott Walker’s supporters and foes agree that he is not like most other politicians. The first governor in Wisconsin history to face a recall attempt is bolder, more focused, less cowed by criticism. Where they disagree is over whether this is a virtue or a vice. Part one of a three-part series.
Posted inGov. Scott Walker: Uniter, Divider, Government, Money & Politics
Full interview: Gov. Scott Walker, Dec. 23, 2011
Gov. Walker talks with Center reporter Bill Lueders about his regrets over the past year, his approach to conflict, his thoughts on out-of-state money that has flooded Wisconsin’s politics, and how he got the yearbook nickname “Desperado.”