(Published Thursday, March 29, 2007 09:46:45 AM CST)
A d v e r t i s e m e n t
Associated Press
MADISON, Wis. - Retiring Supreme Court Justice Jon P. Wilcox says the increasingly heated campaign for the seat he is giving up convinces him that reforms are needed.
"I'm concerned about the Supreme Court, and I'm concerned with the types of campaigns and the huge money coming in," he said. "I think truly there's a need for campaign reform in this area."
Washington County Circuit Judge Annette Ziegler faces Madison attorney Linda Clifford in Tuesday's election for a 10-year term on the high court.
The nonpartisan Wisconsin Democracy Campaign estimates special interest groups have spent $1.7 million in the race, and the candidates reported spending a combined $1.4 million.
Wilcox endorsed Ziegler this week but said the campaign is worrisome.
"I believe that every justice is concerned about the money that's being spent, about the so-called negative campaign, about the perception that you're either one side or the other," Wilcox said.
"That isn't the perception the court should have, and if it is the perception ... then I think it will be to the detriment of the Supreme Court as an institution."
