Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Litigation Blogs -> The Gavel

Litigation

: The Gavel

Nasty Politics Stirring in MI Judicial Election

By Peter Hardin

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttOMcjtgn_M

The politicking over the state Supreme Court in Michigan already is getting nasty, with Democrats targeting a sitting justice as allied with “Big Oil” and hinting at the justice nodding off in the courtroom.

The tactics employed in a Web ad unveiled by Democrats recalled the successful ouster two years ago of sitting Justice Cliff Taylor, who was depicted in TV ads as sleeping on the bench, according to an Associated Press article. Justice Taylor denied the accusations, which helped Democrat Diane Hathaway win election to the high court.

It some ways, it is early for the new round of accusations. Democrats won’t pick their nominees for two seats on the Supreme Court until August, and Republicans hold their convention that month too.

The campaign of Justice Young, who was nominated in the past by Republicans, issued a statement that accused Democratic Chairman Mark Brewer of spreading “misinformation and outright lies” and defending the justice’s record.

“The people of Michigan don’t want a liberal Mark Brewer judge who will coddle criminals, make up their own laws and ignore the rule of law,” the campaign statement said.

The Democrats’ ad shows pictures of oil-coated birds, attack messages and an image of Justice Young or a look-alike with his eyes closed on the bench.

To learn about negative campaigning in judicial elections, click here for Justice at Stake’s issues page.

Full post as published by The Gavel on June 15, 2010 (boomark / email).