Supreme Court candidates should tell us where they stand

Technically, the race for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court is non-partisan. In reality, the race has become one of the most partisan of any election in the state. Just look at the big money the special interests have poured into recent races. In the 2016 Supreme Court contest, candidates spent over $4 million trying to win election. Much of that money comes from special interest groups which don’t have to disclose their donors, leaving voters in the dark about who is trying to control the balance of power on the state’s highest court. It is odd then, that candidates for the Wisconsin Supreme Court typically refuse to discuss their views on any pending or possible cases. They often say they can’t comment on any cases because it could taint any possible case that comes before them. But as voters, it would be helpful if we knew where they stand on important issues. We could make a more informed choice at the polls. We would know how they feel about the issues important to us. We don’t need to put a “D” or an “R” next to their name on the ballot, but it would be a lot easier than trying to follow the money and see what groups are so willing to spend so much to support them.