Gov. Scott Walker picks conservative Rebecca Bradley for Wisconsin Supreme Court
MADISON — Governor Scott Walker makes a controversial appointment to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Three candidates are in the running to win the seat come the spring election. One of them, Rebecca Bradley, got appointed by the governor Friday morning, October 9th.
You can imagine the other two candidates are not pleased with the appointment, and even though there is still an election on the horizon, Bradley now will run as the incumbent.
"I am deeply honored and humbled that the governor has expressed his confidence in me," said Rebecca Bradley, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice.
The governor's announcement to appoint judge Rebecca Bradley to the position comes with criticism from democrats and some others.
"I can't think of another case in which a judge has been so tied to a politician as Rebecca Bradley is tied to Scott Walker, even Republicans will wonder how she can be independent," said Senator Chris Larson.
Bradley is known as extremely conservative -- Governor Walker appointed her to the circuit court in 2012 and voters kept her there in 2013.
Earlier this year, the governor appointed her the Wisconsin Court of Appeals.
"I am looking forward to working with each of the members of the Supreme Court and I'm going to ensure that the people of Wisconsin and the interests of justice are well served," said Bradley.
Friday, the announcement that she will take the seat that Pat Crook had announced he would vacate next door, are well served.
"She has not had a job as a judge that Scott Walker hasn't given her and that's not because of her experience, it's because of her ideology," said Larson.
"I want someone who understands the law and most importantly I want someone on the judiciary who upholds the constitution of this country and the state," said Walker.
As you might imagine, the appointment comes with criticism from the other two candidates. Spokesman for judge Joe Donald, issued a statement saying Wisconsin voters want independent justices and Rebecca Bradley represents partisan politics.
Judge JoAnne Kloppenburg also issued a statement calling herself the people's choice for supreme court, against partisan politics and special interests on the courts.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R - Rochester) issued the following statement:
“Justice Bradley is a great addition to the state’s high court. She has the right qualifications and experience, and is well-respected throughout Wisconsin. I am confident that she will serve the state well.”
Martha Laning, Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin issued this statement:
"Wisconsin residents deserve a fair and impartial Supreme Court and Governor Walker's appointment of a campaign contributor who has already declared she is running for the open seat next year has destroyed any possibility of a fair election.
"He is giving a campaign contributor an unfair advantage in the race next year so Wisconsin residents will have no chance at having an open and fair election for the Supreme Court Justice seat. Rebecca Bradley has given generously to Governor Walker and today it is paying off for her with her appointment to the Supreme Court.
"The people of Wisconsin should decide next year if she is the one they want sitting on the Supreme Court. By picking a campaign contributor who is currently running for the seat, Governor Walker is telling people that their voices on who should sit on the Supreme Court don't count. Today we see that Governor Walker believes only his voice counts in Wisconsin."