Brunner returned several times to his crusade against judges accepting money from political action committees. Recent scandals in Milwaukee County and at the Capitol are "a disgrace to our government" and PAC money doesn't belong in the court system, he said.

Higginbotham said "taking PAC money does not mean that one is dirty," and said television ads are an important way for candidates to introduce themselves to voters.

Roggensack said she doesn't think PAC money is an issue and it's "simply not accurate" to link it to the scandals.

An audience member asked the candidates about constitutional protection for abortion rights.

Roggensack said it's improper to take a position on an issue that could come before the court.

"I take no substantive position except to tell you that I will enforce the law," she said.

Brunner, too, said he could not discuss how he would rule on a potential future case, but said he believes in a woman's right to choose.

Higginbotham said Wisconsin "absolutely" needs a constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights. "It's about a woman's power over herself and a woman's ability to control her own life," he said.

The winner of the April 1 election will replace Justice William Bablitch, who is retiring.