Report shows special interests dominate Wis. Supreme Court race
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A new analysis shows that more than $3.6 million was spent on television advertising during the Wisconsin Supreme Court race won by Michael Gableman last week.
Nearly 90 percent of the spending came from outside interest groups and not Gableman or his opponent Justice Louis Butler.
Third party groups spent more than $3.1 million compared with just over $400,000 by the candidates.
The analysis by the Brennan Center at New York University shows that about 60 percent of the independent money was spent by pro-Gableman groups compared to about 40 percent by pro-Butler groups.
The largest spender at $1.2 million was the pro-Gableman Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Apr 10, 2008 at 7:14 a.m.
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My question is for John Beckford, the President of Forward Janesville.
Do you believe that the citizens of Janesville were well served by the smears and sleaze put out by WMC, an organization you serve as a Director?
There was plenty of bad behavior by plenty of groups but you, who nominally serve to improve the condition of Janesville, gave your approval to the coarsening of our political discourse through the WMC ads.
Are you, like Justice Gableman, proud of this campaign which was run according to your direction? Or is it a little tough to look in the mirror when you shave this week?
Apr 10, 2008 at 3:25 a.m.
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Yeah, good riddance Butler - get rid of these "activist" judges so the corporations and powerful interests can run all over us.
Apr 9, 2008 at 8:07 p.m.
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Capitalism is alive and well in Wisconsin politics.
Apr 9, 2008 at 7:28 p.m.
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No. Kidding. I thought all government was dominated by these criminal groups.
Apr 9, 2008 at 6:29 p.m.
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How much did the weac pay? It's not just one sided negative ads that were going on. There were negative ads against Gableman also. Loophole louie wasn't elected because he was an activist Judge.
Apr 9, 2008 at 3:39 p.m.
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another win for Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. They have control now. They dont have to spend any money against Honorable Justice Abrahmson.
Apr 9, 2008 at 3:05 p.m.
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I'm sure the WMC thinks $1.2 million was a bargain.
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