Thanks for your support.

“We’re trying to stave off of that kind of contested election politicking coming to Minnesota,” she said.

To read more or hear the MPR story, click below.

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/20/10/04/05/judicial-elections

“Whether this method goes forward should be a matter of clear and open public discourse, though it seems a sensible compromise.  One thing does seem clear though:  expensive, partisan and bitter judicial elections will do nothing to promote public confidence in the quiet branch.  That’s not the Minnesota way.”  To read more of the Star Tribune Your Voices article, click below.

Posted by Ernest Grumbles III

April 5, 2010

How to Choose Minnesota Judges? Quietly.

Committee on Finance
Chair: Sen. Richard J.  Cohen
8:30 a.m.
Room 123 Capitol

S.F. 70-Rest: Constitutional amendment for judges retention elections.

What can you do?

• Attend the hearing this Wednesday.
• Email or call Finance Committee members asking them to vote YES.

Thank you for your continued support!

A recent commentary by Judge Margaret Marrinan was critical of efforts under way at the Legislature to protect public trust in Minnesota’s state courts (’How best to protect Rule of Law? Let the people choose judges’, March 14). Other states are having judicial elections politicized by special-interest concerns and large-money donors seeking undue influence. As retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor told a bipartisan gathering of state lawmakers last month, Minnesota will not be immune. Bills now before the Legislature (HF 224/SF 70) are reasonable responses to this threat.  View Full Story

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/polinaut/archive/2010/03/house_leadershi.shtml

“It’s time that true leadership be demonstrated by Republican candidates on this issue.  Minnesota may be a state littered with some pretty idiosyncratic laws, but until the White decision we had arguably the best system for judicial elections this country has ever known.  We need to make sure that we place judicial impartiality above partisan bickering.  And we need to make sure that judicial elections don’t degenerate into the circus they have become in other states.” To read more…

http://looktruenorth.com/elections/governor/11747-republican-debate-leaves-important-question-unanswered.html

This Thursday, March 25th, the Judiciary Budget Division of the Finance Committee will hold a hearing on Senate File 70, the proposed constitutional amendment that would preserve the independence of Minnesota judges by creating a system of retention elections.

You can show your support at this critical time by:

1.  Attending the committee hearing.

When:  10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 25

Where:  Minnesota State Capitol, Room 112  

2.  Contact committee members or your legislator to ask them to

SUPPORT SF 70.

Finance- Judiciary Budget Committee Members

Senator Leo Foley  sen.leo.foley@senate.mn 651-296-4154

Senator Warren Limmer   sen.warren.limmer@senate.mn 651-296-2159

Senator Don Betzold   sen.don.betzold@senate.mn 651-296-2556

Senator Dick Cohen  http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/members/member_emailform.php?district=64

651-296-5931

Senator Linda Higgins  sen.linda.higgins@senate.mn 651-296-9246

Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen  sen.bill.ingebritgsen@senate.mn 651-297-8063

Find your legislator.

Background:

The proposed constitutional amendment gives Minnesotans the chance to preserve the independence and impartiality of judges across the state.  The amendment would create a system in which citizens have the final say on whether a judge stays in office—while also providing voters with nonpartisan performance evaluations on each judge before Election Day.

The change is needed now more than ever.  As a result of U.S. Supreme Court decisions, Minnesotans could soon see judicial elections distorted by expensive and ugly campaigns where special-interest money flows without end.  Minnesota courts could be up for sale.

The Legislature decides whether Minnesota voters have the chance to change the state Constitution.  With the doors open for special-interest money in judicial elections, that means now is the time for lawmakers to act and put the amendment in the November 2010 ballot. Let the voters decide.