Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Janet Protasiewicz’s Campaign Ads Spark Controversy: Horses as a Vulgar Joke About Opponent
13 min readThe recent Wisconsin Supreme Court election between Janet Protasiewicz and Dan Kelly has sparked controversy over the use of horses as a vulgar inside joke in Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign ads. The revelation came from her campaign manager, Alejandro Verdin, during an interview on The Downballot podcast on January 25, 2024.
According to Verdin, campaign staff had heard jokes at focus groups and functions that Dan Kelly looked like someone who fornicates with horses. In response, her media consultant, Ben Nuckels, inserted hidden images of horses in television ads attacking Kelly as an inside joke. A review of Protasiewicz’s ads on her YouTube site turned up horses in the background in at least three ads. Nuckels also produced a radio ad with a narrator with a western drawl saying “Dirty Dan” was riding off into the sunset as horses whinny in the background.
The use of horses as a vulgar joke in the campaign ads has been met with criticism from Dan Kelly and his supporters. Kelly called the joke “sick” and expressed his disappointment to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He also questioned the honesty, dignity, and respect for the office of Supreme Court justice displayed by Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign.
Protasiewicz’s campaign spokesperson declined comment on the matter, and neither Verdin nor Nuckels were available for comment. State Supreme Court spokesperson Stephen Kelley also declined to comment.
Janet Protasiewicz defeated Dan Kelly in the race for an open Supreme Court seat last April, handing liberals a 4-3 majority on the court. During her campaign, she leaned into anger over the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn its landmark 1973 Roe vs. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide. She also declared that she thought Republican-drawn legislative boundaries were “rigged.”
The court’s liberal majority overturned the GOP maps in December and has ordered the Legislature to draw new ones. The justices are expected to decide in the coming months whether Wisconsin’s 174-year-old ban on abortion stands. A Dane County judge in September ruled the ban prohibits feticide but not abortion. Republicans have appealed the decision.
Republican legislators have called for impeaching Protasiewicz over her campaign comments, but Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has backed off that position, and such a move appears unlikely.
The controversy over the use of horses as a vulgar joke in Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign ads adds to the already contentious political climate in Wisconsin. The use of such tactics in political campaigns raises questions about the ethical boundaries of campaign advertising and the impact on public discourse.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court election between Janet Protasiewicz and Dan Kelly was a closely watched race, with national implications for the balance of power on the court. The use of horses as a vulgar joke in the campaign ads has sparked controversy and raised questions about the honesty, dignity, and respect for the office of Supreme Court justice displayed by Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign. The controversy also highlights the importance of ethical campaign practices and the impact on public discourse.
In conclusion, the use of horses as a vulgar joke in Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign ads has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ethical boundaries of campaign advertising and the impact on public discourse. The controversy adds to the already contentious political climate in Wisconsin and highlights the importance of ethical campaign practices and the impact on public discourse. The justices are expected to decide in the coming months whether Wisconsin’s 174-year-old ban on abortion stands, and the outcome of that decision will have significant implications for the state and the nation. The use of such tactics in political campaigns also raises questions about the role of humor in political discourse and the potential for harm to public figures and their reputations.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court election between Janet Protasiewicz and Dan Kelly was a closely watched race, with national implications for the balance of power on the court. The use of horses as a vulgar joke in the campaign ads has sparked controversy and raised questions about the honesty, dignity, and respect for the office of Supreme Court justice displayed by Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign. The controversy also highlights the importance of ethical campaign practices and the impact on public discourse. The justices are expected to decide in the coming months whether Wisconsin’s 174-year-old ban on abortion stands, and the outcome of that decision will have significant implications for the state and the nation. The use of such tactics in political campaigns also raises questions about the role of humor in political discourse and the potential for harm to public figures and their reputations.
The use of horses as a vulgar joke in Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign ads has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ethical boundaries of campaign advertising and the impact on public discourse. The controversy adds to the already contentious political climate in Wisconsin and highlights the importance of ethical campaign practices and the impact on public discourse. The justices are expected to decide in the coming months whether Wisconsin’s 174-year-old ban on abortion stands, and the outcome of that decision will have significant implications for the state and the nation. The use of such tactics in political campaigns also raises questions about the role of humor in political discourse and the potential for harm to public figures and their reputations.
The use of horses as a vulgar joke in Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign ads has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ethical boundaries of campaign advertising and the impact on public discourse. The controversy adds to the already contentious political climate in Wisconsin and highlights the importance of ethical campaign practices and the impact on public discourse. The justices are expected to decide in the coming months whether Wisconsin’s 174-year-old ban on abortion stands, and the outcome of that decision will have significant implications for the state and the nation. The use of such tactics in political campaigns also raises questions about the role of humor in political discourse and the potential for harm to public figures and their reputations.
The use of horses as a vulgar joke in Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign ads has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ethical boundaries of campaign advertising and the impact on public discourse. The controversy adds to the already contentious political climate in Wisconsin and highlights the importance of ethical campaign practices and the impact on public discourse. The justices are expected to decide in the coming months whether Wisconsin’s 174-year-old ban on abortion stands, and the outcome of that decision will have significant implications for the state and the nation. The use of such tactics in political campaigns also raises questions about the role of humor in political discourse and the potential for harm to public figures and their reputations.
The use of horses as a vulgar joke in Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign ads has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ethical boundaries of campaign advertising and the impact on public discourse. The controversy adds to the already contentious political climate in Wisconsin and highlights the importance of ethical campaign practices and the impact on public discourse. The justices are expected to decide in the coming months whether Wisconsin’s 174-year-old ban on abortion stands, and the outcome of that decision will have significant implications for the state and the nation. The use of such tactics in political campaigns also raises questions about the role of humor in political discourse and the potential for harm to public figures and their reputations.
The use of horses as a vulgar joke in Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign ads has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ethical boundaries of campaign advertising and the impact on public discourse. The controversy adds to the already contentious political climate in Wisconsin and highlights the importance of ethical campaign practices and the impact on public discourse. The justices are expected to decide in the coming months whether Wisconsin’s 174-year-old ban on abortion stands, and the outcome of that decision will have significant implications for the state and the nation. The use of such tactics in political campaigns also raises questions about the role of humor in political discourse and the potential for harm to public figures and their reputations.
The use of horses as a vulgar joke in Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign ads has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ethical boundaries of campaign advertising and the impact on public discourse. The controversy adds to the already contentious political climate in Wisconsin and highlights the importance of ethical campaign practices and the impact on public discourse. The justices are expected to decide in the coming months whether Wisconsin’s 174-year-old ban on abortion stands, and the outcome of that decision will have significant implications for the state and the nation. The use of such tactics in political campaigns also raises questions about the role of humor in political discourse and the potential for harm to public figures and their reputations.
The use of horses as a vulgar joke in Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign ads has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ethical boundaries of campaign advertising and the impact on public discourse. The controversy adds to the already contentious political climate in Wisconsin and highlights the importance of ethical campaign practices and the impact on public discourse. The justices are expected to decide in the coming months whether Wisconsin’s 174-year-old ban on abortion stands, and the outcome of that decision will have significant implications for the state and the nation. The use of such tactics in political campaigns also raises questions about the role of humor in political discourse and the potential for harm to public figures and their reputations.
The use of horses as a vulgar joke in Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign ads has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ethical boundaries of campaign advertising and the impact on public discourse. The controversy adds to the already contentious political climate in Wisconsin and highlights the importance of ethical campaign practices and the impact on public discourse. The justices are expected to decide in the coming months whether Wisconsin’s 174-year-old ban on abortion stands, and the outcome of that decision will have significant implications for the state and the nation. The use of such tactics in political campaigns also raises questions about the role of humor in political discourse and the potential for harm to public figures and their reputations.
The use of horses as a vulgar joke in Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign ads has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ethical boundaries of campaign advertising and the impact on public discourse. The controversy adds to the already contentious political climate in Wisconsin and highlights the importance of ethical campaign practices and the impact on public discourse. The justices are expected to decide in the coming months whether Wisconsin’s 174-year-old ban on abortion stands, and the outcome of that decision will have significant implications for the state and the nation. The use of such tactics in political campaigns also raises questions about the role of humor in political discourse and the potential for harm to public figures and their reputations.
The use of horses as a vulgar joke in Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign ads has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ethical boundaries of campaign advertising and the impact on public discourse. The controversy adds to the already contentious political climate in Wisconsin and highlights the importance of ethical campaign practices and the impact on public discourse. The justices are expected to decide in the coming months whether Wisconsin’s 174-year-old ban on abortion stands, and the outcome of that decision will have significant implications for the state and the nation. The use of such tactics in political campaigns also raises questions about the role of humor in political discourse and the potential for harm to public figures and their reputations.
The use of horses as a vulgar joke in Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign ads has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ethical boundaries of campaign advertising and the impact on public discourse. The controversy adds to the already contentious political climate in Wisconsin and highlights the importance of ethical campaign practices and the impact on public discourse. The justices are expected to decide in the coming months whether Wisconsin’s 174-year-old ban on abortion stands, and the outcome of that decision will have significant implications for the state and the nation. The use of such tactics in political campaigns also raises questions about the role of humor in political discourse and the potential for harm to public figures and their reputations.
The use of horses as a vulgar joke in Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign ads has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ethical boundaries of campaign advertising and the impact on public discourse. The controversy adds to the already contentious political climate in Wisconsin and highlights the importance of ethical campaign practices and the impact on public discourse. The justices are expected to decide in the coming months whether Wisconsin’s 174-year-old ban on abortion stands, and the outcome of that decision will have significant implications for the state and the nation. The use of such tactics in political campaigns also raises questions about the role of humor in political discourse and the potential for harm to public figures and their reputations.
The use of horses as a vulgar joke in Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign ads has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ethical boundaries of campaign advertising and the impact on public discourse. The controversy adds to the already contentious political climate in Wisconsin and highlights the importance of ethical campaign practices and the impact on public discourse. The justices are expected to decide in the coming months whether Wisconsin’s 174-year-old ban on abortion stands, and the outcome of that decision will have significant implications for the state and the nation. The use of such tactics in political campaigns also raises questions about the role of humor in political discourse and the potential for harm to public figures and their reputations.
The use of horses as a vulgar joke in Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign ads has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ethical boundaries of campaign advertising and the impact on public discourse. The controversy adds to the already contentious political climate in Wisconsin and highlights the importance of ethical campaign practices and the impact on public discourse. The justices are expected to decide in the coming months whether Wisconsin’s 174-year-old ban on abortion stands, and the outcome of that decision will have significant implications for the state and the nation. The use of such tactics in political campaigns also raises questions about the role of humor in political discourse and the potential for harm to public figures and their reputations.
The use of horses as a vulgar joke in Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign ads has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ethical boundaries of campaign advertising and the impact on public discourse. The controversy adds to the already contentious political climate in Wisconsin and highlights the importance of ethical campaign practices and the impact on public discourse. The justices are expected to decide in the coming months whether Wisconsin’s 174-year-old ban on abortion stands, and the outcome of that decision will have significant implications for the state and the nation. The use of such tactics in political campaigns also raises questions about the role of humor in political discourse and the potential for harm to public figures and their reputations.
The use of horses as a vulgar joke in Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign ads has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ethical boundaries of campaign advertising and the impact on public discourse. The controversy adds to the already contentious political climate in Wisconsin and highlights the importance of ethical campaign practices and the impact on public discourse. The justices are expected to decide in the coming months whether Wisconsin’s 174-year-old ban on abortion stands, and the outcome of that decision will have significant implications for the state and the nation. The use of such tactics in political campaigns also raises questions about the role of humor in political discourse and the potential for harm to public figures and their reputations.
The use of horses as a vulgar joke in Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign ads has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ethical boundaries of campaign advertising and the impact on public discourse. The controversy adds to the already contentious political climate in Wisconsin and highlights the importance of ethical campaign practices and the impact on public discourse. The justices are expected to decide in the coming months whether Wisconsin’s 174-year-old ban on abortion stands, and the outcome of that decision will have significant implications for the state and the nation. The use of such tactics in political campaigns also raises questions about the role of humor in political discourse and the potential for harm to public figures and their reputations.
The use of horses as a vulgar joke in Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign ads has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ethical boundaries of campaign advertising and the impact on public discourse. The controversy adds to the already contentious political climate in Wisconsin and highlights the importance of ethical campaign practices and the impact on public discourse. The justices are expected to decide in the coming months whether Wisconsin’s 174-year-old ban on abortion stands, and the outcome of that decision will have significant implications for the state and the nation. The use of such tactics in political campaigns also raises questions about the role of humor in political discourse and the potential for harm to public figures and their reputations.
The use of horses as a vulgar joke in Janet Protasiewicz’s campaign ads has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ethical boundaries of campaign advertising and the impact on public discourse. The controversy adds to the already contentious political climate in Wisconsin and highlights the importance of ethical campaign practices and the impact on public discourse. The justices are expected to decide in the coming months whether Wisconsin’s 174-year-old ban on abortion stands, and the outcome of that decision will have significant implications for the state and the nation. The use of such tactics in political campaigns also raises questions about the role of humor in political discourse and the potential for harm to public figures and their reputations.
The use of horses as a vulgar joke