Shirley Abrahamson
Randy Koschnick
MADISON, Wis. (Legal Newsline)-Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson has raked in more than $820,000 in campaign contributions for her reelection bid.
While Abrahamson raised $822,600 last year, her challenger Jefferson County Circuit Judge Randy Koschnick brought in just $14,715, campaign finance reports indicate.
"The report demonstrates the broad bipartisan support that Chief Justice Abrahamson has all over the state of Wisconsin," said Heather Colburn, the Chief Justice's campaign manager. "Wisconsin families, law enforcement, labor, farm and business leaders want an independent judge who shares their values leading the Court. That's Chief Justice Abrahamson."
The two candidates are vying for a 10-year term on the state's high court. The nonpartisan election is April 7.
Last year's Supreme Court election won by Michael Gableman broke a state fundraising record. Nearly $6 million was spent in the race. The year before, more than $5.8 million was spent on the race won by Annette Ziegler.
Abrahamson was appointed to the high court in 1976. She has served as chief justice since 1996. Koschnick was elected county judge in 1999. He previously worked as a public defender.
From Legal Newsline: Reach reporter Chris Rizo at chrisrizo@legalnewsline.com.