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1995 Wisconsin Supreme Court election

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1995 Wisconsin Supreme Court election

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Candidate Ann Walsh Bradley N. Patrick Crooks
Popular vote 514,588 424,110
Percentage 54.82% 45.18%

County results
Bradley:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Crooks:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Justice before election

Nathan Heffernan

Elected Justice

Ann Walsh Bradley

The 1995 Wisconsin Supreme Court election was held on April 4, 1995 to elect a justice to the Wisconsin Supreme Court for a ten-year term. The Incumbent justice, Chief Justice Nathan Heffernan, retired after nearly 31 years on the court. Although the Wisconsin Supreme Court justices are considered nonpartisan, Heffernan was identified as a liberal and voted with other liberals on the court.[1] Wisconsin circuit court judge Ann Walsh Bradley defeated fellow circuit court judge N. Patrick Crooks.

Primary election

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Candidates

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Advanced

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Eliminated in primary

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Declined

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Primary campaign

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Bradley, a liberal with bipartisan support, attempted to maintain a level of political independence in her campaign. She criticized Crooks' campaign for emphasizing his endorsements from Republican governor Tommy Thompson and members of his administration.[3] In response, Bradley touted her own set of bipartisan support and endorsements, which included former Democratic governor Tony Earl and Sue Ann Thompson – Tommy Thompson's wife. In addition, Bradley criticized attempts to polarize the race along party lines, arguing that the most qualified person should be the one to get the nomination.[3]

Primary results

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Primary results by county:
  Bradley
  •   Bradley—30–40%
  •   Bradley—40–50%
  •   Bradley—50–60%
  •   Bradley—60–70%
  •   Bradley—70–80%
  •   Bradley—80–90%
  Crooks
  •   Crooks—30–40%
  •   Crooks—40–50%
  •   Crooks—60–70%
  Wedemeyer
  •   Wedemeyer—30–40%
1995 Wisconsin Supreme Court primary election[4]
Candidate Votes %
Ann Walsh Bradley 131,889 38.85%
N. Patrick Crooks 88,913 26.19%
Ted E. Wedemeyer Jr. 64,668 19.05%
Patience D. Roggensack 41,303 12.16%
William A. Pangman 12,753 3.76%
Total votes 339,526 100.0%

General election

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General campaign

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After advancing to the general election, Bradley reiterated her desire to see the race politicized by her opponents.[5] During the campaign, Bradley was identified as a liberal and had gained the endorsements of several liberal judges in the state. During the campaign, Crooks identified himself as a conservative, and was aligned with Republicans, who worked on his campaign.[5]

Results

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1995 Wisconsin Supreme Court general election[6]
Candidate Votes % ±
Ann Walsh Bradley 514,588 54.82% N/A
N. Patrick Crooks 424,110 45.18% N/A
Majority 90,478 9.64%
Total votes 938,698 100.0%

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Ball, Alan (April 5, 2023). "A Liberal High-Water Mark?". Retrieved March 30, 2025.
  2. ^ Thayer, Kelly C. (April 21, 1994). "Bradley announces candidacy". Wausau Daily Herald. p. 1. Retrieved April 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ a b Miller, Cliff (December 19, 1994). "Justice candidate wants politics out of race". The Post-Crescent. p. 3. Retrieved April 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ Barish, Lawrence S., ed. (1995). "Elections in Wisconsin". State of Wisconsin 1995-1996 Blue Book (Report). Madison, Wisconsin: State of Wisconsin. p. 879. Retrieved March 30, 2025.
  5. ^ a b Segall, Cary (February 19, 1995). "Bradley: three long years stressing judicial credentials". Wisconsin State Journal. p. 10. Retrieved April 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ Barish, Lawrence S., ed. (1995). "Elections in Wisconsin". State of Wisconsin 1995-1996 Blue Book (Report). Madison, Wisconsin: State of Wisconsin. pp. 883-884. Retrieved March 30, 2025.