Democrats upset over bill to make judges appointed

[hippiechick]

Democrats upset over bill to make judges appointed

Party chairman calls it a GOP 'power grab'; Republicans say it's time to pick by merit.


By Vic Ryckaert
[e-mail]
January 29, 2005


Democrats are in a rage over proposed legislation that would make Marion County judges appointed instead of elected.

While moving to appointed judges has drawn support from the legal organizations and the Indiana Supreme Court, Democrats view House Bill 1703 as a power grab.

"It doesn't seem to pass the straight-face test," said Superior Court Judge David Dreyer, a Democrat. "It seems to be very politically motivated, and that is not what's in the public's best interest."

Republicans say it's time to select judges by merit. The change, they say, would remove the fund raising and campaigning that mar judicial elections.

"I'm looking forward to working with the judges and coming up with a system that makes sense," said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Michael Murphy, R-Indianapolis. "How do we insulate a judge from not being slated (by the political party) because they didn't buy enough tickets to a chicken dinner?"

more at http://www.indystar.com/articles/5/218399-4105-102.html


I am curious (and of course this is a rhetorical question) why everything that's done in this state has to be painted as Dems v. GOP ? Why is it NEVER mentioned, that there is almost always some dissent across party lines ? Why ? Ok, rant over.

[salin]

1. was wondering WHO would appoint... let's take a look

Murphy's bill would create a five-member commission to select two judicial candidates for each seat. One of those two candidates would be appointed to the bench by the governor.

The Democratic and Republican chairmen of Marion County would serve on the commission, and three more members would be appointed by the governor.

The bill would require that all judges -- including those now seated -- go through the appointment process. Once on the bench, judges would face a yes-no retention vote by voters every six years.

Democrats say the process would be unfair with Republicans in control of the Statehouse. They view Murphy's proposal as a blatant attempt by Republicans to preserve their dwindling influence in Marion County.



Yes, this proposal and the timing does suggest a power grab. Were it really about taking the election pulls out of the judicial system (not a bad goal)... then there have been 16 years to write this bill (when dems controlled governorship).. but no... just offer the "solution" after the election of a republican. No problem that the city and county affected is controlled democratic for the first time since city/county was merged into unigov back around 1970...

[hippiechick]

2. I just popped an LTTE

... reminding those gleeful Republicans that someday the shoe WILL be on the other foot again, and it will be a Dem governor in control who will be able to make judicial appointments as he/she sees fit.

Maybe they'll re-think their 'let's consolidate power to the Governor now that we're in charge' mania ?

:shrug:


:hi: Salin !

[salin]

3. But that is there point...

do it so quickly ... while people are still in a self-induced euphoria over bushboy's b*tch mitch... and before folks start getting a little queasy about their actions...

:hi:! So how much snow are we going to get? Do I go shopping now, or can I keep being lazy and do it later?

[hippiechick]

4. I'm opting for lazy, myself

:) Hank and I were just out playing frisbee in the snow. It's gorgeous up on the northside - huge, fluffy flakes ! Will be a nice afternoon to just hang out with a pot of tea and get some reading done.

Drive safely, if you do go out !! :hi:

[T Bone]

6. A lot more SNOW from Mitch

is my prediction.

[LiberalFighter]

5. Aren't judges appointed to fill vacancies?

And then they stand for reelection?