Shirley Abrahamson appeals order allowing her to be replaced as Chief Justice

MADISON -- Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Shirley Abrahamson has appealed a federal court ruling temporarily denying her attempt to remain as chief justice.

Abrahamson on Wednesday filed an appeal to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals of a decision earlier this month that allowed Justice Pat Roggensack to remain as chief justice for now.

Four conservative justices on the court voted to replace the liberal Abrahamson with Roggensack on April 29. Abrahamson filed a federal lawsuit, arguing that she can't be replaced until her term ends in four years.

U.S. District Judge James Peterson on May 15 denied Abrahamson's attempt to temporarily block the justices from voting to replace her. Peterson determined there was no harm in Roggensack serving as chief justice while Abrahamson's lawsuit continues.