Former Gov. Lucey Withdraws Support from Prosser

Former Gov. Lucey Withdraws Support from Prosser

UPDATED: Thursday, March 31, 2011 --- 9:08p.m.

Former Gov. Lucey withdraws support from Prosser

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Former Democratic Gov. Patrick Lucey is withdrawing his support for Justice David Prosser for Supreme Court and is throwing it to Assistant Attorney General JoAnne Kloppenburg.

Lucey released a statement to the media Thursday evening saying the campaign has revealed what he called "a disturbing distemper and lack of civility" in Prosser, though he did not cite specifics.

At the same time, Lucey says he has continued to be impressed by Kloppenburg, saying she has shown the proper judicial temperament.

The campaign between the incumbent Prosser and Kloppenburg has been contentious. A public-policy group recently calculated that spending on the race has reached $1.7 million.

Lucey says he has resigned as the honorary co-chairman of Prosser's campaign. A message left at Prosser's campaign was not immediately returned Thursday night.