Governor Al Quie to discuss judicial election issues
Former Governor Al Quie will address the issue of partisan campaigns for judicial races and propose a solution, on Saturday, Sept. 27th, at 10:30 a.m., in Viking Theater, Buntrock Commons, on the St. Olaf campus.
Minnesota has historically kept politics out of judicial races. But in 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court in the White decision declared the ethical standards governing Minnesota judicial elections unconstitutional. Candidates for Minnesota judgeships are now allowed to make promises to and solicit campaign contributions from special interest groups and political parties. Gov. Quie has said, "Judicial campaigns around the country are quickly transforming into high-stakes political campaigns, complete with special interest group endorsements and negative advertising." The Supreme Court ruling makes this a possibility in Minnesota.
In March 2007, the Minnesota Citizens Commission for the Preservation of an Impartial Judiciary, chaired by Quie, recommended that the Minnesota Constitution be amended to ensure a fair, impartial and accountable court system in the future. It is likely this will be an issue in the 2009 legislative session.
The public is encouraged to attend this event. For more information, call: Eve Webster, President, League of Women Voters of Northfield-Cannon Falls, 507/645-5412.
