Wisconsin Supreme Court Showdown

03:49

April 21, 2015

Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson questions state attorney general J.B. Van Hollen, during arguments in Madison Teachers Inc. vs. Scott Walker, in the Wisconsin Supreme Court at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. (M.P. King/Wisconsin State Journal via AP)

A federal judge in Wisconsin is hearing a somewhat unusual case today. The former chief justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court is suing her fellow justices in order to retain her top spot on the court.

The dispute stems from a constitutional amendment approved by Wisconsin voters earlier this month which changes the way the chief justice of the state's highest court is selected.

The amendment effectively removed liberal Justice Shirley Abrahamson from her top post. Special interest money played a large role in the election. Marti Mikkelson of Here & Now contributor Milwaukee Public Radio reports.

Reporter

Marti Mikkelson, reporter at WUWM in Milwaukee.

This segment aired on April 21, 2015.

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