Democrat-backed candidate wins Wisconsin Supreme Court race

Posted on by bamdj

Dane County Circuit Judge Jill Karofsky unseated Justice Daniel Kelly in a hotly contested race for a Wisconsin Supreme Court seat last week that drew national attention from both major political parties, according to Monday evening reports.

The Wisconsin primaries took place April 7 despite multiple legal challenges that wound their way to the state and U.S. supreme courts. The Wisconsin Supreme Court was largely responsible for the election going forward as planned last week after it overruled an order by Gov. Tony Evers (D) to delay the primary until June 9. A move to extend absentee ballot voting was also largely rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court on April 6.

In a statement Monday night, Karofsky sent a “heartfelt thank you to the hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites who made their voice heard in this unprecedented election.”

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“Although we were successful in this race, the circumstances under which this election was conducted were simply unacceptable, and raise serious concerns for the future of our democracy. Nobody in this state or in this country should have been forced to choose between their safety and participating in an election. Too many were unable to have their voices heard because they didn’t feel safe leaving their home or their absentee ballots weren’t counted,” she added.

While the race was technically nonpartisan, Karofsky drew support from national Democrats, while the GOP fell in line behind Kelly, who was appointed to the court in 2016 to fill a vacancy and was running for his first full term. 

Karofsky’s win will cut the conservative majority in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court to 4-3.

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Her win comes despite President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE’s vocal support of her opponent, including two tweets mentioning Kelly by name just days ahead of the primary.

Former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, issued his own endorsement for Karofsky.

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“As a trial court judge, a prosecutor, and victim advocate, Judge Karofsky knows that every decision has a real impact on individuals and families across Wisconsin,” he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Biden’s former top opponent for the nomination, Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersThe Hill’s 12:30 Report: Milley apologizes for church photo-op Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness MORE (I-Vt.), also endorsed Karofsky, telling the Journal Sentinel that the next state Supreme Court justice “should stand up for the needs of working people and civil rights, not huge corporate CEO donors.”