JoAnne Kloppenburg, who narrowly missed ousting Justice David Prosser in the recent Wisconsin Supreme Court election, has announced she is running for the 4th District Court of Appeals seat being vacated by Judge Margaret Vergeront, who is retiring from the bench.
In a letter (PDF) today to supporters, Kloppenburg said the position would fit well with her background and qualifications. "Wisconsin residents expect and deserve appellate judges who are fair and impartial and whose decisions are based on the law and the facts," she wrote. "That is the kind of judge I have pledged I will be.
Kloppenburg, an assistant attorney general, said she would limit campaign contributions to $1,000 per individual or political action committee, though state law allows up to $2,500 in each category in races for the Court of Appeals.
But, in perhaps a reference to record spending in recent judicial elections, she said "justice should not be for sale."
"People need to have confidence in our courts and our judges. Voluntarily limiting contributions will help send a clear message that I will be an impartial decision maker."
The election is scheduled for April 2012.