Supreme Court hopefuls present ideologies at forum

Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates Tim Burns (from left), Judge Rebecca Dallet and Judge Michael Screnock talk about their stances on issues on Monday at the offices of the Milwaukee Bar Association. The Milwaukee Bar organized and hosted the event as an opportunity to get to know the three candidates that are vying to replace Justice Michael Gableman, who is not seeking reelection. (Staff photo by Kevin Harnack)

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The candidates for the Wisconsin Supreme Court are in a contest that’s supposed to be nonpartisan but they’re clearly showing voters they’re choosing among three political ideologies.

The trio of contenders spoke Monday at the Milwaukee Bar Association and spent most of an hour warning voters that one or the other will be driven by ideology.

The race includes unabashedly progressive attorney Tim Burns; conservative Sauk County Circuit Judge Michael Screnock; and Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Rebecca Dallet, who describes herself as moderate.

Burns says judges do have a political role. Screnock argues his opponents will legislate “from the bench.” Dallet says her opponents are politicizing the race.

The two highest vote-getters in the Feb. 20 primary will face each other on April 3 to replace conservative Justice Michael Gableman.