MADISON, Wis. – More than $40 million has been spent campaigning for an open seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court – a national record. The high-stakes contest between Democratic-backed Janet Protasiewicz and Republican-backed Dan Kelly will be decided by voters Tuesday. At stake may be the future course of Wisconsin public policy, which is in gridlock between Democratic Governor Evers and the Republican Legislature. Nationally both Protasiewicz and Kelly have attracted huge donations because Wisconsin has become a kingmaker in presidential races and the partisan makeup of Congress. Protasiewicz has amassed a $23.3 million war chest, Kelly $17.6 million. The winner will determine majority control of the court, with issues like abortion, election access, and what to do, if anything, about Republican gerrymandering.
Kelly. Former Supreme Court judge. GOP-backed conservative.
Protasiewicz. Milwaukee County judge. Democrat-backed liberal.