Federal judge denies SCOWIS chief justice request for restraining order on constitutional amendment

MADISON (AP) — A federal judge has denied Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson's request for a temporary restraining order blocking enforcement of a constitutional amendment that could lead to her being demoted.

U.S. District Judge James Peterson issued the order on Thursday, April 9th.

Abrahamson filed a federal lawsuit on Wednesday, seeking to stop the amendment from taking effect until after her term ends in four years. The amendment approved by voters Tuesday gives justices on the court the power to choose the chief justice, rather than having it go to the most senior member.

The judge says in his order that Abrahamson could revive her request to block immediate enforcement the law later, but he doesn't think it will be necessary because he plans for "prompt resolution" of the lawsuit.