Panel OKs public funding of court races

MADISON (AP) - Wisconsin Supreme Court campaigns would be publicly funded under a bill approved by the Legislature's budget committee on Tuesday.

Supporters say the so-called "impartial justice" proposal will lessen the impact of deep-pocketed private interests in Supreme Court campaigns. Opponents argue that the idea will stifle debate and substitute public money to make up the difference.

The proposal passed the committee 11-4 with Democrats in favor and Republicans against. The Democratic-controlled Legislature is expected to pass it Thursday.

Under the proposal, Supreme Court elections would be paid for through a voluntary income tax checkoff and from the general fund.

It's estimated that each Supreme Court election could cost taxpayers about $3.5 million.