Earlier this week, the latest campaign finance reports were filed and the race for the Supreme Court seat expanded its record for spending in American history. Spending by both sides now nears $45 million, almost triple the previous record.
Of that, the campaign of Judge Janet Protasiewicz and her allies have spent $22.9 million. After a slow start, former-Justice Daniel Kelly campaign and his allies have spent $18.9 million.
The official candidate campaign gets cheaper ad rates than outside groups. The Protasiewicz campaign has spent over $13 million themselves, while the Kelly campaign has only $2.4 million. Therefore, voters are seeing far more ads from Protasiewicz than Kelly.
On the pro-Kelly side, the leading third-party group is Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce at $5.8 million. The highest outside spender backing Protasiewicz is A Better Wisconsin Together Political Fund at the same $5.8 million.
Voting is going on right now, and of course ends next Tuesday on Election Day. Polls will be open from 7 AM-8 PM. Be sure to head to myvote.wi.gov to find your polling place.
Joint Finance Committee Begins Budget Hearings
This week, the legislature’s Joint Finance Committee began hearings on the 2023-2025 State Budget. Every two years the committee begins their process by inviting testimony from state agencies to explain their budget requests and answer questions from members. The Departments of Corrections and Transportation were on Tuesday; while the Departments of Administration and Safety & Professional Services are today.
Next week the first public hearing will be held. The committee will hold a series of hearings around the state. Details are below for the closest hearing to the Fox Cities.
Wednesday, April 5th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Waukesha County Expo Center, Main Arena
1000 Northview Road
Waukesha, WI 53188
