Article: Gableman victory may shift court to the right; New justice would be key vote in conservative bloc

Madison -- Circuit Judge Michael Gableman's victory in Tuesday's state Supreme Court election marked a turning point in how judicial campaigns are run in Wisconsin, and likely altered the direction of the court itself.

Some court observers said Gableman's presence on the court could change its balance -- and it could remain that way for years to come because of the way the election calendar falls.

"Unquestionably, there's going to be a conservative tilt to the court," said former Supreme Court Justice Bill Bablitch.

Gableman, 41, now a Burnett County circuit judge, defeated Justice Louis Butler on Tuesday with 51% of the vote after running on a message of judicial conservatism.

"As the ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!