MONROE - Outside groups may have an influence in the race for Wisconsin Supreme Court, but Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson said voters need to look at the candidates' records.
Abrahamson visited Monroe on Wednesday to meet with supporters at Turner Hall and to discuss the April 7 election. Abrahamson faces Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Randy Koschnick.
The way for Supreme Court candidates to campaign is to take their message to the people, Abrahamson said.
"I speak in a variety of communities," she said, "and I've tried to be positive in this campaign."
Abrahamson is proud of her accomplishments on the bench and of the support she's received from across the state.
She has worked with the United States Department of Justice as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation on criminal justice projects; served as president of the Conference of Chief Justices, an organization that brings all 50 states and territories together on judicial issues; been honored by the University of Wisconsin and the American Bar Association; and received honorary degrees from 15 colleges, universities and law schools.
She's written more than 450 opinions and has participated in more than 3,500 opinions during her 33 years on the bench, 13 as chief justice. Her record makes it easy for her opponents to pick opinions with which to disagree, she said.
"My philosophy is one case at a time."
She said Koschnick has taken about 70 cases to represent her record. She said his charges against her misrepresent her positions.
The cases that come before the Supreme Court are never easy, she said. If the cases were easy, they would have been decided by the lower courts. Each case is different and should be looked at separately before any decision is made.
Abrahamson said candidates shouldn't give the impression they will prejudge cases. Koschnick has defined himself as a conservative.
"Is he telling his listeners how he will vote?" she asked. "We 're not supposed to prejudge a case. We hear all the facts and then interpret the law. I don't think anyone wants a judge who will be biased or call cases on a political philosophy.
"I'll judge on the law, not political ideology."
In the most recent Supreme Court races, the campaigns have gotten negative due to advertising by outside groups. Abrahamson said she's concerned outside groups will get involved with this election in the final days, as well.
The negative tone of a campaign reflects badly on the judiciary, she said.
"I think we should be without partisanship," she said. "We need more people to turn out (to vote) and public financing."
The justices are able to put their political campaigns outside of the conference room, she said. All of them take an oath to faithfully execute their duties.
"We're all trained. We can put that aside."
Abrahamson said it's likely the court will be dealing with more cases involving economic issues in the midst of the national recession. Regardless of the issues, she looks forward to another term on the high court.
"I find it a wonderful job opportunity for public service," she said. "We help people settle disputes according to the law. The decisions affect people not only involved with the case but across the state."
Abrahamson visited Monroe on Wednesday to meet with supporters at Turner Hall and to discuss the April 7 election. Abrahamson faces Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Randy Koschnick.
The way for Supreme Court candidates to campaign is to take their message to the people, Abrahamson said.
"I speak in a variety of communities," she said, "and I've tried to be positive in this campaign."
Abrahamson is proud of her accomplishments on the bench and of the support she's received from across the state.
She has worked with the United States Department of Justice as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation on criminal justice projects; served as president of the Conference of Chief Justices, an organization that brings all 50 states and territories together on judicial issues; been honored by the University of Wisconsin and the American Bar Association; and received honorary degrees from 15 colleges, universities and law schools.
She's written more than 450 opinions and has participated in more than 3,500 opinions during her 33 years on the bench, 13 as chief justice. Her record makes it easy for her opponents to pick opinions with which to disagree, she said.
"My philosophy is one case at a time."
She said Koschnick has taken about 70 cases to represent her record. She said his charges against her misrepresent her positions.
The cases that come before the Supreme Court are never easy, she said. If the cases were easy, they would have been decided by the lower courts. Each case is different and should be looked at separately before any decision is made.
Abrahamson said candidates shouldn't give the impression they will prejudge cases. Koschnick has defined himself as a conservative.
"Is he telling his listeners how he will vote?" she asked. "We 're not supposed to prejudge a case. We hear all the facts and then interpret the law. I don't think anyone wants a judge who will be biased or call cases on a political philosophy.
"I'll judge on the law, not political ideology."
In the most recent Supreme Court races, the campaigns have gotten negative due to advertising by outside groups. Abrahamson said she's concerned outside groups will get involved with this election in the final days, as well.
The negative tone of a campaign reflects badly on the judiciary, she said.
"I think we should be without partisanship," she said. "We need more people to turn out (to vote) and public financing."
The justices are able to put their political campaigns outside of the conference room, she said. All of them take an oath to faithfully execute their duties.
"We're all trained. We can put that aside."
Abrahamson said it's likely the court will be dealing with more cases involving economic issues in the midst of the national recession. Regardless of the issues, she looks forward to another term on the high court.
"I find it a wonderful job opportunity for public service," she said. "We help people settle disputes according to the law. The decisions affect people not only involved with the case but across the state."