Litigation

Bachmann Slams Judges as ?Black-Robed Masters?

By Peter Hardin

Speaking in Iowa, Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann repeatedly derided judges as “black-robed masters” and congratulated conservatives for dumping three state Supreme Court justices.

Bachmann was addressing a group of home school advocates when she made the remarks, according to a Politico article.

?You said enough is enough and sent them packing, and I?m very proud of what you?ve done,? she said. Voters removed the three judges in an angry response to the high court’s decision that permitted same-sex marriages.

After CNN reported that Bachmann will set up a presidential exploratory committee this summer, the lawmaker said today she plans to make a decision by this summer, the Los Angeles Times said.

Meanwhile, the three newest justices on Iowa’s high court said they’re prepared to take to the campaign trail if necessary in 2012 to win approval on the retention ballot, according to a Des Moines Register article. Last year, the three justices who were ousted did not take to the hustings first.

“I think it’s a bad thing for justices to be seeking donations to keep their job,” said one of the trio, Justice Thomas Waterman. “My plan would be not to campaign, unless it would be made necessary through some unfair attacks.”

Justice Waterman signaled his unhappiness with politicizing of the retention vote through outside money. He also said,
“The retention vote and accompanying drama has been a good impetus for a discussion about the role of courts, and importance of fair and impartial judiciary.”

You can learn more about the controversy over Iowa’s court, and judicial selection process, from Gavel Grab.

Full post as published by The Gavel on March 24, 2011 (boomark / email).