Judge attends convention as an observer

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge John Siefert, who is suing to overturn state rules that prohibit judges from belonging to a political party, is at this weekend's convention.

But he's only a "guest."

Siefert, whose suit is pending in federal court, wants to be allowed to join the Dem Party. He's also challenging the prohibition on judicial candidates directly asking for political contributions.

Siefert said he attended a dozen Dem conventions as a delegate before he became a judge. But hasn't been a delegate since he joined the bench. He said state rules allow judges to listen to political speeches like those at the convention.

"I'm an observer," Siefert said.

-- By JR Ross