State Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson, who will run for re-election this April, has raised over $1 million for her campaign, her office announced Monday.
Abrahamson's campaign raised $245,466 in January, bringing her fundraising total to $1,068,070, according to a statement.
We've raised money from so many wonderful people all across the state and I just think people are really energized to keep the kind of leadership that Shirley provides on the court,"" Abrahamson Campaign Manager Heather Colburn said.
According to the statement, 97 percent of Abrahamson's contributions came from in-state donors, with over 1,155 individuals contributing an average of $213 per donation.
Even though Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, a major contributor in the 2008 Supreme Court election, has opted to stay out of the current race, Colburn said she expects outside interest groups to outspend the Abrahamson campaign.
""Just because the money's not coming from [WMC] doesn't mean other groups won't be putting money into this race,"" she said.
Abrahamson's opponent, Jefferson County Judge Randy Koschnick, raised $38,959 in January. His campaign reported less than $15,000 raised in the second half of 2008, with $88,959 raised overall.
While Koschnick's funds are significantly lower than Abrahamson's, Colburn said she expects out-of-state interest groups to assist his campaign.
Representatives from Koschnick's campaign did not reply with comments as of press time.
