WISN.com
October 19, 2015
(Full Article)
MILWAUKEE —Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley says she’s unsure what impact her appointment by Gov. Scott Walker will have on her candidacy to retain the position in 2016.
After the sudden death of retiring Justice Patrick Crooks last month, Walker named Bradley to the vacant seat, prompting complaints the guv had appointed someone who was already an announced candidate. The justice told “UpFront with Mike Gousha” she has a strict philosophy.
“I don’t think there’s any place in judicial decision-making to try to form social policy or influence policy in the state of Wisconsin. That’s the job of the Legislature.” Bradley said on the program, produced in partnership with WisPolitics.com.
Citing her time as a circuit court judge in Milwaukee, Bradley said she has experience suppressing her personal opinion when considering cases. Although she was a member of the Republican National Lawyers Association, Bradley said she set aside her affiliation when she became a judge.
She said her appointment will allow voters to evaluate her performance ahead of the election.
That could give Bradley an advantage over her opponents, Appeals Court Judge JoAnne Kloppenburg and Milwaukee County Judge Joe Donald.
Bradley said she hopes third party involvement in the race will focus on the candidates’ qualifications and “maintain a positive tone.” She did not express support for limits on third-party spending on issue advocacy or candidate ads.
“They do have a First Amendment right to participate in the political process and the election processes,” Bradley said. “It’s not my place to tell them to stay out.”