Trump endorses Schimel in Wisconsin Supreme Court race

(The Center Square) – President Donald Trump is endorsing conservative Judge Brad Schimel in his race against liberal Judge Susan Crawford for the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Calling Crawford a “radical left liberal,” Trump wrote on Truth Social she “has repeatedly given child molesters, rapists, women beaters and domestic abusers ‘light’ sentences.

“She is the handpicked voice of the Leftists who are out to destroy your State, and our Country – And if she wins, the Movement to restore our Nation will bypass Wisconsin. All Voters who believe in Common Sense should GET OUT TO VOTE EARLY for Brad Schimel.”

As the Center Square previously reported, Crawford’s record on the bench in Madison as a district court judge has come under fire from conservatives and tough-on-crime groups.

In 2019, prosecutors sought 50 years in prison for Antonio Gentry, who was accused of shooting a man in the head. Crawford sentenced Gentry to 30 years in prison with an opportunity to get out on parole early.

- Advertisement -

Critics also point to the cases of Kevin Welton, who was charged in 2018 with the felony sexual assault of a child. Welton could have been sentenced to up to 100 years in prison for the sexual assault of a two children under the age of 8. Crawford sentenced him to four years in prison. Welton is now out of prison.

And in 2022, prosecutors charged Curtis O’Brien with the repeated sexual assault of a 5-year-old child. Crawford allowed O’Brien out on a $500 signature bond. He was eventually sentenced to four years in prison, but was released in two.

During a recent debate, Crawford defended her sentencing decision in the child sexual assault case.

“I don’t regret that sentence because I followed the law in that case,” she said.

Crawford responded to Trump’s endorsement of her opponent, according to Channel 3000 News, saying “Brad Schimel is a corrupt politician who let 6,000 rape kits sit untested and gave a plea deal to a child predator whose attorney gave him $5,000. Schimel has spent his entire career on bent knee to right-wing special interests, we assumed he had this endorsement locked up months ago.”

Schimel served as Wisconsin attorney general from 2015 to 2019. He said he inherited the rape kit backlog when he was elected, and cleared every single kit that needed to be tested by the time his term was up.

- Advertisement -

Schimel and Crawford are running in one of the most expensive judicial races ever. The winner in the April 1 election will replace retiring liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley. With Bradley leaving the bench, the outcome of this election will determine whether the Supreme Court has a conservative or liberal 5-4 majority. A number of significant cases could be determined by the outcome.

• Benjamin Yount contributed to this report.

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Op-Ed: Democratic scare tactics and the SAVE Act

"Hell, I never vote for anybody, I always vote...

Everyday Economics: Brace yourself for higher market volatility this week

This week’s data will offer fresh clues on the...

Trouble Sleeping? This Science-Backed App Could Change Your Life

Sleep quality is a huge determinant of our health,...

Op-Ed: Hispanic families in New Mexico push back on gender policies

In a state where more than 1 million residents...

Senate committee to vote on bills combating antisemitism on campuses

Legislation targeting harassment of Jewish students at higher education...

The FDA Is Failing – Here’s What Needs To Change

We’ve long trusted the FDA to protect public health,...

Illinois bill helps homeowners fight back against squatters

(The Center Square) – With instances of squatting sharply...

Voters focused on prices, tariffs as Trump wraps up first 100 days

American voters are focused on prices, tariffs and illegal...

More like this
Related

Op-Ed: Democratic scare tactics and the SAVE Act

"Hell, I never vote for anybody, I always vote...

Everyday Economics: Brace yourself for higher market volatility this week

This week’s data will offer fresh clues on the...

Trouble Sleeping? This Science-Backed App Could Change Your Life

Sleep quality is a huge determinant of our health,...

Op-Ed: Hispanic families in New Mexico push back on gender policies

In a state where more than 1 million residents...