April 1, 2008

Voters in Wisconsin go to the polls today in a race that might (or might not) serve as a referendum on the Wisconsin Supreme Court's recent pro-plantiff lurch. Justice Louis Butler, closely identified with that lurch and in particular with the court's opening of lead paint liability, is facing a challenge from Judge Michael Gableman, who's strongly backed by business groups. Earlier here. Separately, an appeals court race on today's ballot may be causing friction between Gov. Jim Doyle and the state's organized plaintiff's bar, up to now close allies. More: The WSJ had an editorial last week on the high court race. Update: Gableman wins narrowly, tipping court's probable balance.