Selection Snapshots

A Republican gubernatorial candidate expressed his support for returning to contested elections for all of the state’s judges. In his view, the current system (merit selection) is closed to public input and too connected to lawyers’ interests. Click here to read the article.

According to a new report, Michigan had the most expensive judicial races in 2009-10, accounting for one fourth of the $38.4 million spent nationwide. The state also saw the highest spending on TV advertisements and the most attack ads. Click here to read the article.

Governor Hickenlooper ultimately chose a state trial court judge to fill the seat. The governor reported making his decision on the basis of conversations with sitting justices, diverse legal groups, business groups, and public officials. Click here to read the article.

The supreme court nominating commission sent three names to Governor Hickenlooper for the vacancy created by Justice Martinez’ resignation. The nominees include a Democrat, a Republican, and an unaffiliated voter, but none of whom consider themselves to be politically active. (The governor must make the appointment...

Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor's one-minute video on the supreme court's website urging a “yes” vote on Issue 1 in the November election met with some criticism. Issue 1 would raise the retirement age for state judges from 70 to 76. Click here to read the article.

A state senator proposed a constitutional amendment to alter the way the members of the state’s three appellate courts are selected. The proposal calls for a modified federal selection process, where judges are nominated by the governor and confirmed by the senate for eight year terms, subject to reappointment. The...

Minority groups called for the governor, who will make two supreme court nominations in March, to make the state supreme court more diverse. No justices of color currently serve on the court. Click here to read the article.

Governor Christie publicly criticized a state trial court judge who ruled that requiring increased contributions to judicial pension plans is an indirect reduction in judges’ pay and in violation of the state constitution. The lawsuit was filed by a judge. Click here to read the article.

Governor Nixon selected George Draper III from three nominees submitted to him by the appellate judicial commission to fill a vacancy on the supreme court. Draper will be the second African-American to serve on the court. He will stand for retention in 2014. Click here to read the article.

Following Gingrich’s lead, other Republican presidential candidates chimed in with charges of judicial activism and proposals to limit the federal judiciary. Click here to read the article.