Bradley, Donald fend off jabs from Kloppenburg during forum

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Just two questions into Wednesday’s forum at the Milwaukee Bar Association, state Supreme Court justice candidate JoAnne Kloppenburg took aim at fellow candidates Justice Rebecca Bradley and Judge Joe Donald.

When asked whether Supreme Court Rules should include a process for filing complaints against justices, Kloppenburg, a District 4 Court of Appeals judge, took the opportunity to point out that Bradley, who was appointed to late Justice Patrick Crooks’ seat in October, recently voted against a review of the judicial code of conduct.

“We need more transparency, not less, and an open process for review the judicial code of conduct,” said Kloppenburg.

In response, Bradley noted that she and other justices, including Michael Gableman and Annette Ziegler, voted against the petition because it did not comply with the rules and not because they opposed it.

Kloppenburg criticized both Bradley and Donald while answering a question about whether she would accept money from Super PACs and political parties, citing how Bradley had been nominated three times by Gov. Scott Walker and how Donald, at one point, endorsed Bradley.

In response, Donald said he endorsed Bradley because he believed she was well qualified for the job — something, he said, that instead points to his independence.

“I’m working to be the independent voice of this campaign,” he said. “I was appointed by Gov. (Tommy) Thompson. I’ve been endorsed by Herb Kohl.”

And whereas both Donald and Kloppenburg alluded to the eroding collegiality of the high court, Bradley maintained that the justices in fact remain civil.

“I’m in the best position to comment because I have been serving and interacting (with them) for the last 3-1/2 months,” said Bradley. “Each of my colleagues welcomed me warmly and helped ease my transition.”

One of the favorite parts of her new job, she said, is gathering with her fellow justices after oral arguments. The justices — and the conversations — have always been professional and collegial, she said.

The statewide primary election is Feb. 16. Follow @erikastrebel