As the Primary Election for the open seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court approaches, it’s important to have an understanding of how each candidate would conduct themselves if they were to get the nomination. I will be interviewing each of the 4 candidates and get an in-depth look at why they believe they are the best one for the job.
The first candidate I interviewed was Judge Janet Protasiewicz, and we started the conversation talking about how her diverse background has helped her to develop her judicial philosophy. “I want to bring back change and common sense to our Supreme Court. I want to get away from the extremism that has permeated the court. I’m independent and I follow the law.”
Despite the fact that judges are supposed to be unbiased and apply the law in a neutral manner, many people think that every candidate running has their own biases. I asked Judge Protasiewicz what separates her from the other candidate that is perceived as “liberal”, Everett Mitchell. “I would say this, I do not feel as though I am running against Everett Mitchell, I feel as though I am running for a seat on the Supreme Court.” She then went on to list a number of experiences and endorsements that she believes separates her from the entire pack.
We ended the conversation with a question that I intend to ask all 4 candidates, highlighting the fact that despite it being a necessity to remove bias as a judge, it is difficult to separate life experience from an interpretation of the law. I asked her if the concept of an impartial judge is even realistic, and she said “We work every single day to put aside whatever thoughts or feelings you might have about any parties or attorneys and do what is right, in every single case.”
The primary election will be on Tuesday February 21st. To listen to our entire conversation, click the file below.
[Spreaker]
