Minnesota's judicial elections not as politicized as Wisconsin's

Election officials in Wisconsin are preparing for the likelihood of their first statewide recount in more than two decades.

Liberal-backed challenger JoAnne Kloppenburg declared victory yesterday in her bid to unseat Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser, who was supported by conservative groups. Even though the Wisconsin Supreme Court race was officially non-partisan, it became a referendum on Republican Governor Scott Walker.

Kloppenburg's unofficial lead is miniscule -- a mere 204 votes out of 1.5 million cast, and a recount is likely. Minnesota, of course has plenty of experience with recounts, but we haven't experienced expensive, politicized judicial elections like Wisconsin has.

MPR's Phil Picardi spoke with former Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric Magnuson to help us understand why.