Wisconsin Supreme Court debate canceled, rescheduled; 2 weeks to election

MILWAUKEE - A debate between the candidates for Wisconsin Supreme Court that was scheduled for Wednesday night, March 25, has been rescheduled.

Debate canceled

What we know:

The race is for a 10-year term on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Wisconsin Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor, considered the liberal-backed candidate, is facing conservative-backed Wisconsin Appeals Court Judge Maria Lazar.

But Taylor indicated in a news release that she is sick and unable to take part in the debate. 

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Her campaign released the following statement: 

"This afternoon, Judge Taylor was diagnosed with kidney stones and will rest and recover for the next couple days before returning to the campaign trail. Judge Taylor will soon launch a statewide tour to meet voters across Wisconsin and we are committed to rescheduling today’s debate next week on a date that works for WISN, debate partners, and our opponent’s campaign. We appreciate everyone who has reached out to wish Judge Taylor well and we’re looking forward to a quick recovery."

Undecided voters

By the numbers:

A new Marquette Law School poll shows 53% of registered voters remain undecided. The poll found 23% support Taylor, 17% support Lazar and 7% say they will not vote.

"With so many people undecided, we’re less sure about this election than we normally would be, because we don’t normally see more than half of voters undecided two weeks out from an election," said Director of Marquette Law School Poll Charles Franklin.

A liberal majority

Big picture view:

The outcome of the race will not change control of the court. Liberals currently hold a 4-3 majority. If Lazar wins, the court remains 4-3. If Taylor wins, liberals would expand their majority to 5-2.

Additionally, spending in the race has dropped significantly compared to last year.

"It's lower stakes, lower spending, and far less attention. It is interesting to see that we went from being a political arms race to near radio silence in just one year," said Nick Ramos, Wisconsin Democracy Campaign. "And I think that when control isn't on the line, the money dries up and so does the attention." 

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"It's a weird time, but I think a lot of people are spending a lot more energy thinking about November than they are about in the spring [...] don't sleep here, Wisconsin," Ramos said.

The Wisconsin Democracy Campaign reports outside groups have spent about $683,000 so far this year, compared to more than $100 million spent in last year's Supreme Court race.

Reaction

What they're saying:

Wisconsin GOP spokesperson Anika Rickard issued the following statement:

"While we hope Chris Taylor gets well soon, votes are already being cast for this election. This debate would allow Wisconsinites to hear Chris Taylor answer for her far-left record, and we hope it gets rescheduled soon."

Vote to the finish line

What's next:

The debate will now be held on Thursday, April 2, according to WISN, the host of this debate.

Early voting runs through Sunday, April 5, two days before Election Day. The Milwaukee Election Commission says 900 people voted Tuesday, along with 38 new registrations and 66 ballot drop-offs.

The Wisconsin spring election is set for Tuesday, April 7.

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