U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan may have more than 9,000 reasons for deciding to jump into a statewide race by endorsing a Supreme Court candidate in the spring election.
Last week, Pocan said he is backing Madison attorney Tim Burns to fill the seat held by conservative Justice Michael Gableman.
"Democrats are energized and are working hard to lead the resistance and take back Wisconsin. That especially includes taking back our state’s highest court by electing a progressive to the bench this April," Pocan said. “That is why today, I’m proud to announce my endorsement of Tim Burns."
Pocan should know Burns well.
Records show Burns has given $9,400 to Pocan's campaign since 2013, even donating the maximum amount during the last election cycle.
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So Burns has lent Pocan a hand over the years, and now — it appears — the three-term congressman is returning the favor.
Not at all, said a Pocan spokesman.
"Mark has known and worked with Tim Burns for years as his constituent," said Craig Trost, Pocan's political director. "Due to that relationship, Mark endorsed Tim as best for the Supreme Court."
Burns is running as a liberal in the three-way race, with Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Rebecca Dallet as a moderate and Sauk County Circuit Judge Michael Screnock as a conservative. A recent poll paid for by Burns' campaign showed 82% of likely voters in the February contest are undecided.
On Twitter, Burns, who has been open about his political views, defended his support for Democratic candidates
"I’ve been upfront that I was a longtime Democratic donor," Burns said. "It isn’t a secret. It is public record. I was happy to support candidates who share my values."
In fact, Burns has given a little more than $115,000 to Democratic candidates and groups in state and federal races since 2007. That figure includes gifts to Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont early last year and ex-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton after she secured the Democratic nomination later in 2016.
In state races, he donated the maximum contribution of $10,000 to Democratic gubernatorial nominee Mary Burke in 2014 and $20,000 to Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett in his two unsuccessful bids to knock off Republican Gov. Scott Walker.
Burns' past financial support to Pocan did not go unnoticed by Screnock's team, who put their own spin on the matter. Screnock is the candidate most in line with Gableman and the Supreme Court's conservative majority.
"The contributions and the endorsement paint a clear picture of an ultra-progressive political activist who has no qualms about legislating from the bench or ignoring the separation of powers and the Constitution," said Screnock spokesman Sean Lansing.
Contact Daniel Bice at (414) 224-2135 or dbice@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanielBice or on Facebook at fb.me/daniel.bice.