Nationally, it may be an off-election year across the country, but for Wisconsin, we are at the brink of several important choices. On April 4th, we will elect the newest addition to the State’s Supreme Court.
As the highest authority when interpreting state law, Wisconsin’s Supreme Court is tasked with ensuring any piece of legislation is applied fairly and consistently. They also make sure that the government itself respects the laws and protects citizens’ rights from undue interference.
Just like all our leaders, a Supreme Court justice should be someone with great character, who is committed to impartiality and to the principles of freedom. They have the power to shepherd us towards a better society – to shun personal gain or bias for the public good. The two candidates on the ballot are Justice Daniel Kelly and Janet Protasiewicz. Both present as nonpartisan judges, but a close look at Protasiewicz shows she is far from apolitical.
What kind of Supreme Court justice would Protasiewicz be?
When selecting a Supreme Court justice, voters and even court experts find it difficult to predict how each candidate will perform. This is an impartial position; so hidden biases and political agendas should never be a factor.
One good thing about candidate Janet Protasiewicz: she doesn’t hide her political opinions. This gives voters in Wisconsin the opportunity to ask ourselves, do her political opinions match the society we want to live in? Take a look at what her resume shows.
1. An open abortion supporter
Both in ads and when talking to the press, Janet Protasiewicz loves any opportunity to talk about her pro-choice beliefs. She has expressed to media outlet WKOW her wish to preserve the “legacy” of Roe v. Wade, and routinely expresses her belief “in a woman’s right to choose.”
Interestingly, Protasiewicz’s comments appear to be in direct violation of Wisconsin’s Code of Judicial Conduct, which states that judges should NOT make public statements that give an indication of how they would decide certain issues nor are they to let their biases interfere with their decisions.
2. Believes in “gender fluidity”
A quick look at her list of organizations that support her shows a series of “gender ideology” causes – the same think-tanks who wish to impose “modern” myths about gender fluidity, and ban parents and God from school libraries. Groups such as Human Rights Campaign. Talk about extreme.
3. A big receiver of Democrat money
Protasiewicz’s partisan opinions have found their way into the public discourse for a very simple reason: her aggressive and well-funded campaign.
Following a donation of over $2.5 million dollars by Wisconsin’s Democratic Party, Protasiewicz quickly became a favorite of radio hosts and bloggers for hire. By being so open about her Democrat agenda, she has now jeopardized her future judicial duties. As a result, she recently admitted she would need to recuse herself from any cases involving the Democratic party.
4. A history of questioning institutional procedures
Finally, the most serious red flag in her resume is her history of contradicting and questioning the institution she belongs to. When asked about possible redistricting initiatives, she responded:
“[The state legislative district maps] are rigged, period. I’m coming right out and saying that. I don’t think you could sell to any reasonable person that the maps are fair.”
The US Supreme Court threw out the maps the Democrats had drawn, and the state Supreme Court had originally approved. Once the maps were rejected by the US high court, the state Supreme Court reversed course and adopted another set drawn by Republicans. But that’s not good enough for Protasiewicz. Her open disrespect for both the US Supreme Court’s and the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decisions on these maps calls into question her general opinion of the country’s institutions and of the rule of law. What’s more, they could jeopardize national politics as well: the path to the White House next year goes directly through Wisconsin. The curiously blue tint to her “fair map” could give liberal candidates electoral seats to take the country.
What Could This Mean for Wisconsin?
Supreme Court justices in our state serve for 10 years. This is more than enough time to leave a lasting mark on our laws. The full social damage of these initiatives may not become obvious until much later – but it will undoubtedly steer Wisconsin left faster and further than most of us can even imagine. For voters who want to be free to worship God according to the dictates of their faith and conscience, or who want to keep their traditional families free from outside agendas, the result of the April 4th election is critical.
Which Wisconsin do you want to live in?
Protect the Supreme Court of Wisconsin. Vote for Daniel Kelly on April 4th.
Authorized and paid for by Wisconsin Family Action, Inc. Not authorized or paid for by any candidate or candidate’s committee.