This Just Doesn't Pass The Smell Test (WMC BS)

[Dinger]

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090205/GPG0101/902050603/1207/GPG01

"Supreme Court race fundraising one-sided

MADISON — Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson has a 56-to-1 fundraising advantage over her challenger.



Reports filed Monday with the state show Abrahamson raised $822,600 last year compared with just $14,715 for her challenger, Jefferson County Circuit Judge Randy Koschnick.

The election for a 10-year term on the state's highest court is April 7.

Koschnick downplayed the low numbers his campaign reported, saying he raised $50,000 last month and was on target.

"From the very beginning, we knew that this would be a 'David and Goliath' campaign," said Koschnick's campaign adviser Seamus Flaherty. "We expect that voters will be making up their minds during the last few weeks of this race, and we're on pace to be competitive when it counts."

It doesn't appear this year's race will come close to the record spending seen in both 2007 and 2008.

Nearly $6 million, a state record, was spent in last year's Supreme Court election won by Michael Gableman. Of that, just $1.2 million came from the candidates themselves.

In 2007, more than $5.8 million was spent on the race won by Annette Ziegler, including $2.7 million by the candidates.

The biggest reason spending overall is likely to be down this year is because the state's largest business lobbying group, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, isn't getting involved. . . . "


Actually, this gives me the creeps. I don't trust 'em.

[Jackpine Radical]

1. I think they're laying low, trying to avoid triggering finance reform

legislation. If they buy another SC Justice, a lot of people will go on the warpath.

[ewagner]

2. I think

Jackpineradical is right.....

I also suspect that they're a bit afraid to go against the Chief Justice for fear of judicial reprisals if they lose...

[HelenWheels]

3. Method to their madness

About one week before the election there will be a nasty, lying ad against Abrahamson. Then WMC will pour their money in against her.
I doubt if the WMC cares one little bit what the public thinks.

[sybylla]

4. Three words - phony issue ads

Like Helen Wheels says, the don't need to contribute. They just dump money into trash-talking ads they or their sleaze ball cohorts run night and day in every media market.

I'm thrilled Abrahamson has a nice war chest. But I'm sure she's gonna need more to kick WMC ass.

Time for all DUers to do their duty - www.abrahamson2009.com/contribute

[midnight]

5. This will be the 'David and Goliath' campaign once, Goliath "WMC"

donates to David's campaign. Is their still a lawsuit going about the mistatements Gaybelman made about Justice Butler during the campaign race last year.