Sykes Defeats Butler in Supreme Court Race

Incumbent Supreme Court Justice Diane Sykes defeated challenger Judge Louis Butler, Jr., Tuesday (April 4, 2000) in the race for a 10-year term on the high court.

Butler, a Milwaukee municipal judge, was recommended by WEAC members. Sykes was appointed to the court by Gov. Thompson last September after the retirement of Justice Donald Steinmetz.

Bill Keys

In Madison, former Madison Teachers Inc. President Bill Keys won election to the School Board. "I'll be an advocate on the board for children," Keys said. "That's always been at the heart and core of everything I've ever done." MTI, which is WEAC's second-largest local affililiate, had recommended Keys and Juan Jose Lopez, who won re-election to another seat.

In the presidential primary election, Vice President Al Gore captured about 90% of the Democratic vote, while Texas Gov. George W. Bush took only about 75% of the Republican vote. Analysts said that indicated a weakness for Bush among Wisconsin Republicans.

Many school referendums were held throughout the state, with mixed results.

One of the big victories occurred in DeForest, where voters approved more than $24 million to build a new middle school and to add classrooms and a gym at the high school. They also agreed to exceed revenue controls by $695,000 a year to operate the new classroom space and another $290,000 a year to purchase classroom computers.

Oregon voters approved $11.9 million to build a middle school and agreed to exceed revenue controls by $782,000 for operating and equipment expenses.

In Oconto Falls, voters narrowly approved a measure to spend almost $20 million to build additions at two elementary schools and the middle and high schools.

However, a $39 million school referendum in New Berlin was defeated, and voters in Pewaukee turned down a $33.5 million referendum.

Posted April 5, 2000