Speakers back public funding of Wisconsin campaigns

"The only group to speak against public financing of campaigns and greater disclosure of spending by outside groups was the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce."

by Karen Lincoln Michel

MADISON — Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson testified Tuesday that judges must appear "impartial and nonpartisan" during their election campaigns, and said she supports public financing of state Supreme Court races.

Abrahamson told a state Senate panel on campaign finance reform that she was speaking for herself and not the high court when she said public financing would allow candidates to avoid problems inherent in raising money in judicial campaigns.

"We should try to ensure that campaign financing does not undermine the public trust and confidence in our judiciary and system of government," said Abrahamson. "In our country, judges must decide cases fairly, impartially, and according to the facts and the law."

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