Former Director of State Courts Randy Koschnick has filed complaints against the four liberal state supreme court justices and his replacement, arguing that her appointment is illegal.
Earlier this month, Koschnick was fired after Liberal Justice Janet Protasiewicz was sworn in, giving the liberals the fourth vote they need to control the court.
Koschnick filed five complaints Tuesday with the Wisconsin Judicial Commission requesting an investigation into the actions of Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices Ann Walsh Bradley, Rebecca Dallet, Jill Karofsky, Janet Protasiewicz, and Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Audrey Skwierawski who assumed Koschnick’s position.
The complaints say,
“Upon information and belief, on August 3, 2023 Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Audrey Skwierawski assumed the position of Director of State Courts by virtue of an appointment made by Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices Ann Walsh Bradley, Rebecca Dallet, Jill Karofsky and Janet Protasiewicz. Said conduct by Judge Skwierawski in assuming the position, as well as the conduct of the four above-named justices in making the appointment, are contrary to, and in violation of, the Wisconsin Constitution, Article VII, sec. 10, and sec. 757.02(2), Wis. Stats., both of which prohibit a sitting judge from assuming another office of public trust except a judicial office. Judge Skierawski’s current judicial term runs until July 31, 2025.
On August 3, 2023 Wisconsin Legislative leaders Sen. Devin LeMahieu, Senate Majority Leader, and Rep. Robin Vos, Speaker, sent written notice to the Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices that the appointment was in violation of both the Wisconsin Constitution and Wisconsin Statutes (attached).
As of today’s date, upon information and belief, said illegal appointment and occupancy of office continue. Further, said appointment and occupancy of office constitute ongoing violations of the following provisions of the Wisconsin Code of Judicial Conduct: SCRs 60.02, 60.03(1), 60.04(1)(b), (1)(hm) and (2).”
Here is the notice sent to the Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices by Wisconsin Legislative leaders Sen. Devin LeMahieu, Senate Majority Leader, and Speaker Robin Vos:
In response to a news story on the new liberal majority’s planned firing of Koschnick, a respected former chief judge who once ran as a conservative for the state Supreme Court, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley said, “Political purges of court employees are beyond the pale. Four or five justices secretly voting on court matters without the court actually meeting breaches universal judicial norms. This abuse of power is unprecedented and illegitimate. It should be condemned by all judges.”
Former Republican Attorney General candidate Eric Toney, who is president of the Wisconsin District Attorneys Association, also spoke out against the firing.
“This is sad but unsurprising considering the newest Justice campaigned on her political values. If this firing happens it could be the first step in a left-wing politicization of the court. This should concern all Wisconsinites and it makes the 2025 Supreme Court race crucial,” Toney tweeted.
Koschnick, a widely respected former Jefferson County Judge, was appointed to the non-partisan State Courts Director position in 2017 by the Supreme Court’s then-conservative majority. He has avoided making political statements in the post.
New liberal justice Janet Protasiewicz was sworn in on August 1, cementing a new left-wing majority on the court. When she ran for the court’s position, Protasiewicz promised voters she has left-wing “values,” called Act 10 unconstitutional, and stated that she supports abortion.
