February 4, 2011, Milwaukee, WI– In a recent TV interview, Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate, Marla Stephens, the Appellate Division director in the Office of the State Public Defender, expressed her dismay at how “the Supreme Court is becoming very partisan and very divided” due to a “block of four justices who call themselves conservative.” Stephens has gone out of her way to define herself as the “open- minded” candidate, explaining in a campaign press release that “people are ready for a Supreme Court that is accountable to them, not just special interests.”

Photo credit wislawjournal.com

Unfortunately, while Stephens says she is “…devoted to the law, not partisan battles,” her actions speak otherwise.

• Of the four candidates running for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Stephens is the only candidate not participating in the public financing as provided by the Impartial Justice Act despite calling it a “good law.” Apparently this “good law,” is good enough for her opponents but not good enough for her.

• In a recent campaign press release, Stephens released the names of thirteen former and current state legislators who have endorsed her campaign. All are Democrats including Joe Wineke, former Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party.

• Since 1999, Stephens has contributed $2,875 to Wisconsin political campaigns. All of Stephens’ contributions have been to Democratic and liberal candidates.

• She describes herself as “a member of the Democratic party, on and off, throughout [her] life.”

• Recently, Stephens held a fundraiser co-sponsored by shock jock John “Sly” Sylvester. Sylvester recently gained notoriety for his obscene comments regarding Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch.

Stephens was recently quoted saying “arguments might be liberal or conservative, but facts certainly are not.” In this case, the facts seem to say that Stephens is a long-time committed liberal Democrat. Her self-proclaimed “open mind” and “unbiased” approach ring hollow when viewed in the larger context of her actions.