The state Department of Justice on Monday asked a federal judge to toss out Shirley Abrahamson's lawsuit demanding that she be allowed to retain her title as Wisconsin Supreme Court chief justice.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Patience Roggensack cast the deciding vote in her favor to replace longtime Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson in the first-of-its kind action, emails released Thursday to The Associated Press show.

Wisconsin Supreme Court justices moved quickly Wednesday to elect a new chief following certification of a constitutional amendment that ended seniority as the sole determinant, even as a federal lawsuit was pending seeking to delay replacing longtime Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court could have a new chief justice soon, after a federal judge on Tuesday refused to block a voter-approved change in how the head of the court is selected.

Five voters asked a federal court on Monday to dismiss a lawsuit brought by Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson, arguing that she shouldn't be allowed to delay a newly approved constitutional amendment expected to lead to her demotion.

A federal judge on Thursday denied Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson's request for a temporary restraining order blocking a constitutional amendment that likely would lead to her demotion.