WBAY-TV Green Bay-Fox Cities-Northeast Wisconsin News: Wis. justices criticize proposed recusal rule
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Associated Press - October 28, 2009 12:45 PM ET
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin Supreme Court justices are criticizing a proposal that would require them to step aside from cases involving parties who spend $1,000 or more to help get them elected.
During a public hearing Wednesday, some justices said the proposal by the League of Women Voters went too far in limiting free speech rights while others said it ignored non-monetary campaign help such as endorsements and volunteer time.
Justice Michael Gableman was downright hostile to the group, which says the rule is a necessary reform amid skyrocketing spending in judicial campaigns.
Gableman attacked the league as a left-wing group trying to limit campaign speech and have government regulators, not voters, hold judges accountable for ethical lapses. He scoffed at the idea that judges would "be willing to throw a case for $1,000."
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