STATE DFL CHAIR MELENDEZ STATEMENT

01/23/2006

ST. PAUL (1/23/06) -“The Supreme Court today, without deciding the issue on its merits, let stand a ruling from the US Court of Appeal for the Eighth Circuit that lets candidates for judgeships campaign for and receive partisan endorsements in judicial elections.

“Minnesota enjoys a long tradition of excellence in its judiciary. The state’s trial and appellate courts are staffed by talented judges—every one of whom was either appointed based on merit, or was elected without partisan politics. This system has worked under governors from three political parties. The process of choosing judges isn’t broken, and injecting partisan politics into the mix risks upending the entire system.

“A fair judicial system that delivers justice for all must remain impartial, unbiased and nonpartisan. I denounce those opportunists who would taint the administration of justice with their own partisan agenda. Just because something is constitutionally permissible doesn’t mean that it’s a good idea. The first candidate who seeks a partisan endorsement in a judicial election will start our state’s judiciary on a race to the bottom from which it may never recover.”