Feb. 6, 2009 – The escalating cost of supreme court election campaigns in Wisconsin, highlighted by last year’s record-setting $6 million expenditure level, has alarmed many observers concerned that the infusion of such large amounts into a judicial campaign poses a threat to both judicial neutrality and public trust in the justice system.

The State Bar of Wisconsin shares these concerns and supports public financing for supreme court campaigns, as provided in Senate Bill 40, co-authored by Senator Pat Kreitlow and Representative Gordon Hintz. This legislation is the most direct and visible way to maintain the integrity of Wisconsin’s courts and bolster public confidence in them.

The State Bar Board of Governors specifically addressed the issue of public financing for supreme court campaigns in 2006 and concluded that such a reform would “help maintain the integrity and independence of Wisconsin’s courts, where even the perception of bias destroys public trust and confidence in the justice system.”

The Bar’s position recognizes the fundamental importance of assuring Wisconsin residents and businesses that justices cannot be influenced by contributions to the election campaigns of judicial candidates. This reflects the unique and critical role that the court plays in our system of government.

I strongly urge other Wisconsin residents to join us in affirming the principle that Wisconsin’s highest court must remain fair, neutral, impartial and nonpartisan by supporting Senate Bill 40.