WI’s Protasiewicz, Kelly face off in most expensive Supreme Court race in US history

Wisconsin's Protasiewicz, Kelly Face Off in Most Expensive Supreme Court Race in US History The race for Wisconsin's Supreme Court has become the most expensive in US history, with incumbent Justice Daniel Kelly and challenger Jill Karofsky raising a combined $6 million. However, the real battle is between Kelly and his fellow conservative Justice, Brian Hagedorn, who is backing his colleague's re-election bid. Kelly, who was appointed by Republican Governor Scott Walker in 2016, has been a reliable conservative vote on the court, siding with business interests and against labor unions. He has also been a vocal opponent of abortion rights and same-sex marriage. Karofsky, a Dane County Circuit Court judge, has positioned herself as a progressive alternative to Kelly, promising to be a fair and impartial judge who will protect the rights of all Wisconsinites. She has been endorsed by a number of progressive groups, including the Wisconsin AFL-CIO and Planned Parenthood. The race has been marked by a flurry of attack ads, with both candidates accusing the other of being beholden to special interests. Kelly has been criticized for accepting donations from the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, a powerful business lobby, while Karofsky has been accused of being too close to trial lawyers. The outcome of the race could have significant implications for the future of Wisconsin's Supreme Court. If Kelly is re-elected, conservatives will maintain their 5-2 majority on the court, giving them a significant advantage in future cases. However, if Karofsky wins, the balance of power will shift to a 4-3 conservative majority, making it easier for progressives to win future cases. The race has also been closely watched by national political observers, who see it as a bellwether for the 2020 presidential election. Wisconsin is expected to be a key battleground state in the race between President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger, and the outcome of the Supreme Court race could provide clues as to which way the state is leaning. Regardless of the outcome, the race has highlighted the growing influence of money in judicial elections. With the Supreme Court playing an increasingly important role in shaping public policy, the stakes are higher than ever, and candidates are willing to spend whatever it takes to win. As a result, the integrity of the court is being called into question, and many are calling for reforms to limit the influence of money in judicial elections.