Mike's Judicial Picks for Non-Lawyers - 2006

(Thanks to Mary Jean, Denise, and Mark for forwarding this along.)
Hi folks. Some smart-minded lawyer friends forwarded me this recommendation for state Supreme Court, a contested race in next Tuesday’s election. I found it helpful and thought you might, too. Pass it on to anyone who might be interested.

Mary Jean

Subject: [Fwd: Mike's Judicial Picks for Non-Lawyers - 2006]

Unless you have regular exposure to the judiciary, it can be tough to
know how to vote. Our friend Michael Steinberg, the Litigation Director
for the Michigan ACLU, has his recommendations and we're passing them
along to you for your consideration. I know you all know how important
this election is, so get out there early and often! - denise and mark

------ End of Forwarded Message
From: "Michael J. Steinberg" <msteinberg@ameritech.net>
Date: Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:48:37 -0500
To: <msteinberg@ameritech.net>
Subject: Mike's Judicial Picks for Non-Lawyers - 2006

MIKE'S JUDICIAL PICKS FOR NON-LAWYERS - 2006

It is very difficult for non-lawyers to differentiate between candidates in judicial elections because the judicial races are allegedly "nonpartisan" and therefore the candidates' party affiliations do not appear on the ballot. Additionally, the media rarely provides in depth coverage of the judicial races and this year is no exception.

As requested, I have again prepared a list of my endorsements for the contested judicial elections on November 7. As usual, I am picking the candidates who, in my opinion, are the most progressive. Please note that I am endorsing candidates in my individual capacity, not as a representative of the organization for which I work.

MICHIGAN SUPREME COURT
VOTE FOR JANE BECKERING AND MICHAEL CAVANAGH

This year the only contested judicial election on the Washtenaw County ballot is for the Michigan Supreme Court. There are five people running for two spots. For me, the choice is easy. I will be voting for JANE BECKERING and MICHAEL CAVANAGH – who, coincidentally, are also the top two candidates alphabetically.

Although no party affiliation is listed on the ballot for candidates in judicial races, political parties actually nominate candidates for the Michigan Supreme Court (strange but true). This year my choices were both nominated by the Democrats.

JANE BECKERING, has been voted by fellow attorneys and justices as one of the Best Lawyers in America. An example of her commitment to social justice is her service on the Board of the Michigan Migrant Legal Assistance Program. She would truly be a breath of fresh air on what is perhaps the most conservative state supreme court in the country. For more information see http://www.janebeckering.com

MICHAEL CAVANAGH has served on the Michigan Supreme Court since 1983 where he has consistently fought for civil rights and civil liberties. Currently, he is only one of two liberal voices on the Michigan Supreme Court and he deserves to be re-elected. See www.justicecavanagh.com

The Republicans have nominated incumbent Maura Corrigan, who has been hostile to civil rights and civil liberties, and Marc Shulman, a former Republican member of the state House of Representative. The Libertarian Party nominated Kerry Morgan who has worked to strip women of the right to reproductive choice. See http://www.revivetherepublic.com/religion.htm.

The only chance we have of putting both Beckering and Cavanagh on the Supreme Court is if we get the word out. Feel free to print, clip and save the handy reminder below. Or, if you happen to forget to bring this reminder to the polls, just remember that if the five candidates are placed in alphabetical order, Beckering and Cavanaugh are at the top of the list.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
MICHIGAN SUPREME COURT:
BECKERING AND CAVANAGH
\_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _/

And please share these Judicial Picks with other like-minded friends. The result of the Michigan Supreme Court election will help determine the future of civil rights, civil liberties and consumer law in Michigan. Please feel free to contact me for more information.

-Mike Steinberg -- msteinberg@ameritech.net <mailto:msteinberg@ameritech.net>

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