In an era of unprecedented levels of political corruption, voters are seldom fazed by stories of scandal. Though it is without question a sad state of affairs, it is simply a truth which citizens begrudgingly accept: We elect many candidates who just cannot be trusted. This sense of cynicism quickly becomes the modus operandum in which citizens are convinced that all elected officials are simply players of a partisan game, all lacking morals and all with one goal: the pursuit of power.
This cynicism has reached new heights in Wisconsin in the last three months. After living through the campaign of Mark Green, a key player in the Washington "Culture of Corruption" that voters rejected last fall, citizens simply expect such behavior out of politicians. But what about our judges? Can't we even have faith that at least our judges are fair, impartial and ethical?
Voters will answer this question in less than two weeks. Enter Supreme Court candidate Annette Ziegler — a Washington County Circuit Judge appointed by former Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson. Recent investigations into her judicial record by the Wisconsin State Journal have revealed some very alarming information for voters to chew on.
The headlines say it all: Ziegler's Dirty Tricks. Watchdog requests Ziegler probe. Ziegler Conflict. Ziegler 'Justice' Just What Big Biz Ordered. Court Candidate has a Conflict. Ziegler Owns Stock in Companies Whose Cases She Heard. Ziegler Stock Ownership Raising Questions.
Defendants in hundreds of cases walked through the doors of Judge Ziegler's courtroom, expecting a fair shake from our supposedly impartial system of laws. This is a fundamental right, a core tenet of American democracy. There should be a difference between politician and judge. Citizens have the right to demand this separation, and strict rules exist to place a wall between corruption and the courtroom.
Judge Annette Ziegler didn't just spit on this wall — she drove a tank through it. Ziegler ruled on more than 20 cases concerning companies in which she owned more than $50,000 in stock. She ruled on cases concerning debts owed to a bank where her husband was on the board of directors. She ruled on cases concerning debts owed to that bank where she and her husband have a $3 million loan.
Defendants in these cases are understandably upset as a result of this discovery, as each now wonders if he or she received a fair trial. Their fundamental right to an impartial hearing, a right to have confidence in the judicial system, has been stripped away by one judge, Judge Annette Ziegler, who blatantly refused to follow clear rules set forth for cases concerning conflicts of interest.
And now, Judge Annette Ziegler resolutely believes she is fit to serve on the Supreme Court of the great state of Wisconsin. Unbelievable.
Luckily, voters have another choice. As you are receiving your absentee ballots in the mail in the next few days, choose to support an impartial and fair court. Instead of allowing Judge Ziegler's dirty tricks to succeed, instead vote for Linda Clifford.
Clifford has more than 30 years of widespread legal experiences. Her work has been recognized by her peers numerous times, as shown by distinctions like the "Leader in Law" and "Best Lawyers in America" awards, and Clifford is the only candidate in the race to have argued a case in front of the Supreme Court.
Clifford served for nearly a decade on a Supreme Court commission that investigated corrupt and unethical lawyers — a telling contrast considering the record of her opponent. Clifford also served as an assistant attorney general. Her election to the Supreme Court will provide much needed perspective to the Court's arbitrations. Her record and integrity have led to bipartisan support, ranging from Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold to former Republican Gov. Lee Dreyfuss.
Her quality experiences, commitment to impartiality and compassionate fairness will serve the citizens of Wisconsin well. As a private citizen in 2006, Clifford was one of hundreds of attorneys who spoke out against the constitutional ban on civil unions and marriage. Court observers expect that her election will bring a pro-fairness majority to the court. Students can have confidence that Linda Clifford will serve with the same fairness that we demanded last November.
The choice for Supreme Court cannot be clearer. One candidate actively insults the very system of laws she purports to uphold. The other, Linda Clifford, represents the integrity, impartiality and expertise that we expect. If you have not requested an absentee ballot yet, visit www.votenaked.org and send it in quickly — time is running out! By April 3, stand up for fairness and integrity. Vote Linda Clifford for Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Oliver Kiefer is a sophomore majoring in economics. He is the fundraising chair of the UW-Madison College Democrats.
