Brad Schimel: Wisconsin's Former Attorney General In The Spotlight
Can a seasoned prosecutor and former Attorney General truly be the answer to restoring integrity to the Wisconsin Supreme Court? Brad Schimel, a name synonymous with law and order in Wisconsin, is vying for a seat on the state's highest court, promising to champion the constitution and serve the people with unwavering impartiality. His entry into the race marks a pivotal moment for conservatives hoping to reshape the court's ideological balance.
The political landscape in Wisconsin is often defined by close races and sharply contrasting viewpoints. The Wisconsin Supreme Court, in particular, has become a focal point of intense debate. The upcoming election is seen as a crucial battleground for conservatives seeking to reclaim a majority and exert a check on what they perceive as liberal overreach.
Brad Schimel's journey through the legal and political arenas of Wisconsin provides a compelling case study. His career trajectory has been marked by a commitment to public service, beginning as an assistant district attorney in Waukesha County and culminating in his role as the state's Attorney General. He has pledged to bring his extensive experience to the Supreme Court, vowing to uphold the law and protect the rights of all Wisconsinites. However, Schimels record, as with any public figure, has faced scrutiny.
| Full Name | Brad Schimel |
| Current Role | Judge, Waukesha County Circuit Court (Branch 6) |
| Former Positions | Wisconsin Attorney General (2015-2019), Waukesha County District Attorney |
| Education | UW-Milwaukee (Bachelor's Degree), UW-Waukesha (attended 2 years), UW Law School (Juris Doctor) |
| Birthplace | Town of Vernon, Wisconsin |
| High School | Mukwonago High School |
| Career Highlights | Served as Wisconsin Attorney General; Served as Waukesha County District Attorney; Has a record of supporting law enforcement. |
| Campaign Focus | Protecting the constitution, judging impartially, combating crime and corruption. |
| Notable Statements | Emphasizes experience in defending victims, supporting law enforcement and working to combat crime. |
| Political Affiliation | Republican |
| 2018 Election Result | Lost re-election bid for Wisconsin Attorney General to Josh Kaul |
| Website | Example: https://www.votebradschimel.com/ |
Schimels past has, of course, been subject to debate. During his tenure as Attorney General, he oversaw the clearing of 4,000 sexual assault kits, a claim that has been highlighted in his campaign. However, questions arose. Some critics argue that his actions during his time as Attorney General, including the handling of sexual assault kit testing, prioritized political considerations over the needs of survivors.
His opponent, Susan Crawford, has seized on this, arguing that Schimels record doesnt align with his promises. She has called for a more thorough review of his actions, including allegations of lenient plea deals in child pornography cases where the defense attorney contributed to Schimel's campaign. These criticisms serve to underscore the complex nature of the election.
The campaign has seen intense scrutiny. Accusations and counter-accusations have become the norm, and the debate has been anything but quiet. Discussions about crucial topics such as abortion, union rights, and even figures like Elon Musk have dominated campaign discussions. Schimel has stated that he will focus on what he believes are core principles of the Constitution, including the need for upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all citizens, while Crawford has countered by calling for more attention to be paid to those who have been victimized in the process.
A recent ad, for example, accused Schimel of cutting a lenient plea deal in a child pornography case, further fueling the controversies surrounding his past decisions. The ad, which was quickly followed by others, brought attention to a case where the defense attorney had made campaign donations to Schimel. Such cases are, unsurprisingly, highly contentious, and highlight the stakes involved in the Wisconsin Supreme Court elections.
Schimels campaign has released an ad titled "Verdict," emphasizing his experience as a prosecutor and attorney general. He has also expressed concerns about potential voter fraud and the handling of ballots, during an interview. These comments reflect his conservative perspective on the integrity of the voting process and his commitment to ensuring fair elections.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race is a crucial battleground for both parties. The outcome of the election will have far-reaching consequences, shaping the court's ideological balance and influencing decisions on a wide range of issues. As a candidate, Schimel's platform is built upon defending victims, supporting law enforcement, and battling crime. The upcoming election promises a clash of ideologies and competing visions for the future of Wisconsin.
The election is scheduled for April 1st, and with the stakes so high, the campaign continues to unfold in a climate of strong disagreement, casting an intense spotlight on the candidates and their records. Wisconsin voters will ultimately decide whether Brad Schimel, with his record as a former Attorney General and a circuit court judge, will have the chance to shape the state's judicial landscape.
