9:38 PM: Butler raps Gableman for running a "nasty campaign"
MILWAUKEE -- Justice Louis Butler berated Michael Gableman for running a "nasty campaign" that he said demeans voters and the integrity of the court in a conversation with reporters in Milwaukee this evening.
"He's been running a very nasty campaign, a campaign that's unheard of in Wisconsin State Supreme Court history," Butler said.
He said that voters expect candidates to run campaigns that uphold the integrity of the court and that candidates should run on their record, experience and approach to the job.
"What we've got is somebody whose willing to do anything to try to win a seat on the supreme court," Butler said. "That's not the way to run."
During his stop, Butler thanked a group of about 20 volunteers at a union office building near West Allis for making election-eve calls today on his behalf. Earlier, Butler visited Madison, Eau Claire, Green Bay, Oshkosh, and Racine.
Butler criticized Gableman for ads he has run, saying his ads were worse than the ones outside groups have ran. In contrast, Butler said all the ads he has run were positive and that he's asked groups airing negative ads on his behalf to take them down.
"I hold that office in high regard and I will not compromise my integrity or the integrity of the office just to win an election," Butler said. "I think it's very unfortunate that my opponent has chosen to go that route."
-- By David Wise
Labels: 2008 spring election