By: Associated Press//January 20, 2015//
By: Associated Press//January 20, 2015//
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin state Senate has passed a constitutional amendment that would change the way the state Supreme Court chief justice is selected.
The Senate passed it on a party line 17-14 vote, with all Republicans in support and all Democrats against.
Democrats argue it’s a blatant partisan attack against current liberal Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson. She has been chief justice for more than 18 years.
Supporters say it’s better to have the seven justices on the court select who is chief, rather than giving it to the most veteran member. Twenty-two other states have justices pick the chief.
If the Assembly passes the measure as expected Thursday, it will be put to a statewide vote in the April 7 spring election.