Liberal Dallet defeats conservative Michael Screnock in Wisconsin Supreme Court race

Dallet says win a victory over special interests

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Liberal Rebecca Dallet has easily defeated conservative Michael Screnock in a Wisconsin Supreme Court race seen as the latest bellwether of voter attitudes ahead of the November election.

Dallet’s victory cuts conservative control of the state’s highest court from 5-2 to 4-3. She also becomes the sixth woman on the seven-member court.

Conservative Justice Michael Gableman did not seek a second 10-year term.

.@judgedallet speaking to a packed house “I’m glad to say we won this race and we are headed to the Supreme Court” #news3 #wivote pic.twitter.com/ZWs1U0j9MP — Jessica Arp (@news3jessica) April 4, 2018

Wisconsin’s high court has become notably partisan in recent years even though it’s nonpartisan in name.

Dallet, a Milwaukee County judge, drew strong Democratic support including an endorsement from former Vice President Joe Biden.

Screnock, a Sauk County judge appointed and endorsed by Republican Gov. Scott Walker, had the backing of the National Rifle Association and the Wisconsin Republican Party.

Dallet says win a victory over special interests

Liberal Rebecca Dallet says her victory in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race over conservative Michael Screnock shows that voters are tired of special interests and want to have a “fair and independent court.”

Other Democrats were quick to brand the win for Dallet a defeat for Republican Gov. Scott Walker and others in the GOP. Walker had endorsed Screnock.

Dallet tells The Associated Press that her win shows “people are tired of what’s been going on in our state in terms of the money coming in to buy these elections and people spoke out tonight.”

Her victory marks the first time since 1995 that a liberal candidate for Supreme Court won in a race where the seat is open.

The victory reduces conservative control of the court from 5-2 to 4-3.

#LIVE: Rebecca Dallet gives acceptance speech after Wisconsin Supreme Court race is called in her favor

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READ MORE: https://bit.ly/2IqqLbr Posted by WISC-TV / Channel 3000 on Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Screnock blames loss on liberal interests

The losing candidate for Wisconsin Supreme Court is blaming his defeat on liberal special interests that backed his opponent.

Milwaukee Circuit Judge Rebecca Dallet easily defeated conservative Sauk County Circuit Judge Michael Screnock. Democrats hailed the win as another sign of momentum for liberals this year. It’s the first time a liberal candidate has won an open seat for Wisconsin Supreme Court since 1995.

“I love my job and I will be back on the bench tomorrow morning” Screnock says of role as Sauk Co. Circuit Court Judge — Keely Arthur (@news3keely) April 4, 2018

Screnock says he was proud of his campaign “in spite of tremendous outside influence from liberal special interest groups that were willing to say and spend anything to elect their preferred candidate to the bench.”

Both candidates were backed by partisans. Screnock was supported by the National Rifle Association, Republican Gov. Scott Walker and the state GOP, while Dallet was endorsed by former Democratic Vice President Joe Biden and others.

LIVE: Michael Screnock gives concession speech after Wisconsin Supreme Court race is called.

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READ MORE: https://bit.ly/2IqqLbr Posted by WISC-TV / Channel 3000 on Tuesday, April 3, 2018

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