Today, the Wisconsin Supreme Court primary puts two candidates with liberal backing against a Judge supported by the Wisconsin State Republican Party. Though the race is officially nonpartisan, many Republicans are lining up behind Michael Screnock, while Democrats are favoring Tim Burns and Rebecca Dallet. The top 2 will advance.
Refresh this page throughout the evening to view the updated numbers.
[Last updated: 10p]
95% OF PRECINCTS REPORTING
(Winner) Michael Screnrock - 46%
- 237,118
(Winner) Rebecca Dallet - 36%
- 183,200
Tim Burns - 18%
- 90,560
Tim Burns
(Ballotpedia) An attorney with experience in insurance-related law, Burns has not previously run for elected office.
In his May 2017 announcement speech, Burns referred to dissatisfaction with the Wisconsin Supreme Court as a factor motivating his run: "For the past 40 years, I've watched special interests chip away at the impartiality of our courts and it has got to stop." Burns' campaign website argues that "this race isn't about Tim, it's about you and your rights" and identifies Burns' priorities if elected as voting policy, environmental regulations, and business regulations.
Burns has received endorsements from Bernie Sanders-aligned group Our Revolution, former Supreme Court candidate JoAnne Kloppenburg, and Rep. Mark Pocan (D).
Rebecca Dallet
(Ballotpedia) Dallet was first elected to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court in 2008 and won re-election in 2014. As of the 2018 election, she still holds the seat. Dallet's previous experience includes 11 years as a prosecutor in the offices of the Milwaukee County District Attorney and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin as well as three years spent teaching law at Marquette University.
In her June 2017 announcement speech, Dallet pointed to her past experience: "I have the right experience to return independence and balance to what has become an increasingly partisan Supreme Court." Dallet's campaign website argues that she has "spent my career, first as a prosecutor, and now as a judge, working to make our community safer" and identifies the economy, crime, healthcare, and criminal justice law as areas of dissatisfaction, arguing that Dallet is "prepared to fight and represent our values on day one."
Dallet has received endorsements from former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Louis Butler, former Gov. Tony Earl (D), Wisconsin Court of Appeals Judge Lisa Stark, and Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm (D).
Michael Screnock
(Ballotpedia) Screnock was first appointed to the Sauk County Circuit Court by Gov. Scott Walker (R) in 2015 and was elected to a full term in 2016. Screnock's previous experience includes time spent in private practice and, prior to earning his law degree, in municipal management.
In his June 2017 announcement speech, Screnock referred to his stance on the role of the judiciary: "I share ... the belief that it is the role of a judge to say what the law is and not what it should be...Judges must respect the different roles of the court and Legislature and should not legislate from the bench." Screnock's campaign website argues that his "experience as a judge adds to the experience I gained as a local government official and an attorney, and uniquely prepares me for service on our state’s highest court." Screnock describes his judicial philosophy as a belief that "the role of a judge or justice is to interpret and apply the law, not rewrite the law" and that it is "important that the judicial branch serve as the stable branch of our government."
Screnock has received endorsements from Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices Daniel Kelly, Michael Gableman, and Rebecca Bradley, as well as former Justices David Prosser and Jon Wilcox.
Last Update: Feb 24, 2018 10:14 am CST
