Grant Scaife’s opponent, Gordon Leech, an Evers’ appointee, made a trail of campaign donations to Democrats.
Grant Scaife, a conservative prosecutor who is running against Tony Evers’ appointee Gordon Leech for a seat on the Washington County bench, has been endorsed by top county officials, including County Executive Josh Schoemann, DA Barry Braatz, and Sheriff Marty Schulteis, along with former Gov. Scott Walker.
“Grant Scaife is an experienced prosecutor in Washington County who will be an outstanding judge,” Gov. Walker said. “His opponent was appointed by liberal Governor Tony Evers. I am happy to endorse Grant Scaife for judge.”
“I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of Governor Scott Walker,” Scaife said. “Governor Walker has been a steadfast champion for conservative principles, public safety, and the rule of law throughout his career. His support is incredibly meaningful and reinforces my commitment to serve as a fair, impartial judge who will hold criminals accountable, protect victims, and keep Washington County safe. I am grateful for his confidence in my ability to be a common sense, principled judge for Washington County.”
Other top officials joined in the chorus. “We need judges in Washington County and across the state who will stand up for the law and push back against judicial activism. I’m looking forward to supporting Grant in his campaign because I believe he will be just that kind of judge,” said Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann.
Scaife serves as an Assistant District Attorney in Washington County, “where he has extensive experience prosecuting serious crimes, collaborating with law enforcement, and advocating for crime victims. His campaign focuses on judicial restraint, upholding the Constitution, and maintaining a tough-on-crime approach to ensure community safety,” his press release says.
Gordon Leech, the Evers’ appointee, is a former prosecutor and defense attorney, who has made a trail of campaign donations to Democrats. For example, Leech donated to the Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee, liberal Shirley Abrahamson, the Democratic Party, and Democrat Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, according to the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign and FEC records.
Leech argues that he wants to keep “politics out” of the courtroom. However, Leech was appointed by Evers last summer to the Washington County Circuit Court. He was also endorsed by progressive group Wisconsin Justice Initiative Action, which endorsed leftist Supreme Court candidate Chris Taylor. “We advocate for more progressive criminal and civil legal structures, policies, practices, and personnel,” the group says. Leech primarily lists other judges on his endorsement list.
Here are some of Scaife’s endorsements:
Justice Annette Ziegler, Wisconsin State Supreme Court
“Grant Scaife possesses the judgment, temperament, and integrity essential to the judiciary. He will approach the bench with fairness, impartiality, and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law. He has my full support.”
Justice Rebecca Bradley, Wisconsin State Supreme Court
“Grant Scaife will stand up for law and order, uphold the Constitution, and serve Washington County well as a judge. I am pleased to offer him my full support.”
Martin Schulteis, Washington County Sheriff
“The safety of Washington County is my top priority. Grant has spent his career fighting to protect our community, and I’m proud to endorse his candidacy.”
Barry Braatz, Washington County District Attorney
“I’ve seen firsthand Grant’s commitment as a prosecutor to ensuring that criminals are held accountable and justice is carried out across Washington County. That dedication to providing safe streets and neighborhoods for our families is exactly why I’m proud to endorse him as Washington County’s next Circuit Court Judge.”
Jeff Schleif, County Board Chair
“Grant has dedicated his career to standing up for victims and protecting the community. He will uphold the rule of law, be principled on the bench, and protect our families. I am proud to endorse him for judge.”
State Representative Jim Piwowarczyk
“As a former law enforcement officer, I’ve seen first hand how important public safety is to a thriving community. I fight every day in Madison to make sure that our community is one of law and order, and that violent crime in Milwaukee doesn’t spread to Washington County. I’m proud to endorse Grant Scaife for judge because I know that he cares about the safety of our community just as much as I do.”
Milwaukee Police Association
“During these increasingly trying times, the over 1,200 men and women of the Milwaukee Police Association appreciate leaders like (Grant) who are willing to stand and be an advocate for Law Enforcement Professionals.”
Washington County Deputy Sheriffs Association
“Grant has worked side by side with our deputies on some of the toughest crimes, supporting our high bonds and firm sentences that hold violent offenders accountable. (He) embodies the values of our deputies; he has stood with us in the courtroom, case after case, and he knows the long hours and sacrifices that go into every investigation.”
