According to Internet Media: Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser is running behind his challenger, Assistant Attorney General JoAnne Kloppenburg, in a state election that has gained national attention.
Prosser, the conservative-backed justice, trailed his liberal-backed challenger by 224 votes Wednesday morning with all but three of the state's 3,630 precincts reporting, according to The Associated Press .
The race has drawn national attention because many consider it the first statewide referendum on GOP Gov. Scott Walker's controversial new union law, which curbs collective bargaining rights for unionized state employees.
The election's outcome could also have a tangible effect on the law — legal challenges to it are expected to reach the Supreme Court, but the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel noted that it is not clear if justices will take up the case before the winner is sworn in on Aug. 1.
Political observers in Wisconsin say that the narrow margin will likely result in a recount.
It is rare for a challenger to unseat a state supreme court justice in Wisconsin. The winner receives a 10-year term.
Prosser, the conservative-backed justice, trailed his liberal-backed challenger by 224 votes Wednesday morning with all but three of the state's 3,630 precincts reporting, according to The Associated Press .
The race has drawn national attention because many consider it the first statewide referendum on GOP Gov. Scott Walker's controversial new union law, which curbs collective bargaining rights for unionized state employees.
The election's outcome could also have a tangible effect on the law — legal challenges to it are expected to reach the Supreme Court, but the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel noted that it is not clear if justices will take up the case before the winner is sworn in on Aug. 1.
Political observers in Wisconsin say that the narrow margin will likely result in a recount.
It is rare for a challenger to unseat a state supreme court justice in Wisconsin. The winner receives a 10-year term.
