MADISON -- Incumbent Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Louis B. Butler will face at least two opponents to his right in his re-election bid next spring.

Burnett County Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Gableman this morning announced in Madison his candidacy to unseat Butler in the 2006 general election, WisPolitics.com posted. Gableman, a conservative with a solid law-and-order record, was elevated to the circuit in 2002 by acting Republican Gov. Scott McCallum.

Gableman joins Sun Prairie attorney Charlie Schutze in the race to unseat the liberal Butler, who has already seen off potential conservative challenger Paul Bucher, LNL reported last month. Prior to Schutze nominating in September, the well-funded Butler had no official opponents despite Bucher's expressions of interest.

The ballot's spring primary will be held on Feb. 19, while the general election is scheduled for April 1. Butler is the Wisconsin Supreme Court's first African-American member.