WASHINGTON (AP) — A divided Supreme Court is struggling with whether states can prohibit personal appeals for campaign contributions by candidates for elected judgeships.

The justices were hearing arguments Tuesday in a case from Florida, five years after the court's Citizens United ruling freed corporations and labor unions from limits on spending in elections for Congress and president.

The court's conservative justices prevailed in that case by a 5-4 vote. The same ideological divide was apparent Tuesday.

Chief Justice John Roberts was among those who suggested that once states decide to elect judges, candidates have a broad right to seek contributions.

Several liberal justices said lawyers might have a hard time refusing to contribute when a judge personally asks for campaign cash.