Wisconsin Supreme Court race spending tops $42M, Protasiewicz holds $6M advantage
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race has been one of the most expensive in the state's history, with spending topping $42 million. The race has been closely watched by both political parties, as the outcome could have a significant impact on the state's legal landscape. The race pits incumbent Justice Rebecca Dallet against challenger Judge Michael Screnock. Dallet is seen as the more liberal candidate, while Screnock is viewed as more conservative. The race has been heavily influenced by outside groups, with both sides receiving significant support from political action committees (PACs) and other organizations. Despite the heavy spending, one candidate has a significant advantage in terms of fundraising. Dallet has raised over $10 million for her campaign, while Screnock has raised just over $4 million. However, outside groups have spent heavily on behalf of Screnock, narrowing the gap in overall spending. One of the biggest spenders in the race has been the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC), a business group that has spent over $2.5 million on behalf of Screnock. The group has been a major player in Wisconsin politics for years, and has been a strong supporter of Republican candidates and causes. On the other side of the aisle, the liberal group One Wisconsin Now has spent over $1.5 million on behalf of Dallet. The group has been a vocal critic of the WMC and other conservative organizations, and has been a major player in Wisconsin politics in recent years. Despite the heavy spending, the race remains tight. Recent polls have shown Dallet with a slight lead, but the outcome is far from certain. The race has been marked by heated rhetoric and negative advertising, with both sides accusing the other of being beholden to special interests. The outcome of the race could have significant implications for the state's legal landscape. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has been a key battleground in recent years, with controversial decisions on issues such as voter ID and collective bargaining rights. The winner of the race will have a major impact on the court's direction for years to come. In the end, the Wisconsin Supreme Court race is a microcosm of the larger political battles being fought across the country. It is a battle between two very different visions of the role of government and the judiciary, and the outcome will have far-reaching consequences for the people of Wisconsin.