I'd like to know what the judicial candidates think it means "to ensure
domestic tranquility." And if they feel "defence" is an antonym or a
synonym for "offence." And what constitutes "good Behaviour." And how
they interpret "Treaties," and how "Congress shall make no law respecting
an establishment of religion" pertains to St. Paul Public Schools. And if
they've ever witnessed an execution, or been a victim of a violent crime.
How many people do they know who have been killed by war? By automobiles?
What do THEY think has the most effect on their decisions, and what
techniques do they use to keep personal experiences from clouding their
judgement? Who are their heroes?
And whether they think "defence" and "Behaviour" are American or Foreign
spellings. And if they go to church or belong to any cults or Sam's Club.
AMH
West End, USA
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union,
establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common
defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty
to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution
for the United States of America. ..."
"...The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their
Offices during good Behaviour, ..."
"...This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be
made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made,
under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the
Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in
the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding. ..."
http://www.house.gov/Constitution/Constitution.html
Andrew M. Hine
Corporate Research Materials Laboratory
3M Center 201-1W-28
St. Paul MN
55144-1000
USA
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Tel: (651) 733-1070
Fax: (651) 737-5335
Lab 201-W110
List Manager
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Sent by: "St. Paul Issues Forum"
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Subject
10/28/2004 08:59 [StPaul] Summary of Ramsey County
AM Judge Discussion
I think that this has been a very interesting thread on what might
have been a very overlooked race in this election. Its also
interesting and valuable, because of the differing ways that many of
think about judicial races.
Let me try and summarize the discussion, as I've understood it.
Anyone should feel free to make corrections or add more thoughts.
Please, let me know if you find this useful (negative feedback also
welcome).
------------------------------------------------------------
John Birrenbach initially posted his endorsement of Patricia Sifferle
and reminded us that Judicial races are often uncontested. He
suggested that this was not good for democracy and that we ought to
encourage more competition for these judicial offices.
http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/msg03983.html
http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/msg03985.html
Andy Driscoll posted an alternative endorsement for the incumbent
Mike Fetsch along with the following statement:
"It is customary, especially for nonpartisan
seats on the District Court, that challengers
to an incumbent judge standing for reelection
(or election, if appointed) present cogent
reasons for doing so, and I challenge Ms.
Sifferle to state those reasons."
http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/msg03984.html
http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/msg03992.html
http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/msg03996.html
Joelle Tegwen agreed with John that "we definitely need to work to
make contested judicial races more common and learn more about the
judges who are appointed." However, she expressed her disappointment
with the answers Patricia Sifferle provided on the Minnesota Lawyer
questionnaire.
See Second District - Seat 14
http://www.minnlawyer.com/elections/2004/home.cfm
http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/msg03986.html
Charlie Swope agreed that as long as we are having judicial
elections, it makes sense to have them contested. However, he
questioned the idea of having judicial elections at all and suggests
that his own preference would be for an appointed judiciary.
http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/msg03987.html
Patricia Sifferle joined the discussion and briefly discussed her
reasons for running and responded directly to the questions raised by
Joelle Tegwen.
- "I believe I will be a better judge."
- "I have pledged not to do any negative
campaigning."
"I am running strictly on my merits to serve, and
because I would like to improve on the way things
are currently being done. I believe I am more
approachable, articulate, down-to-earth, courteous,
energetic, kind, and diplomatic than my opponent,
and I will make an excellent judge for Ramsey County.
I hope you will vote for me on November 2nd."
http://www.patriciasifferle.org/
Her full message can be read here:
http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/msg03988.html
Bill Stoesz pointed out that the MCCL is running stealth campaigns in
some parts of the state to replace incumbent judges with single-issue
judges compatible on their issue. He questioned whether or not
Patricia Sifferle might not be one of those candidates.
http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/msg03989.html
Patricia Sifferle responded - "I am absolutely not one of these
candidates!" She went on to say that she does not believe that
judicial candidates should affiliate themselves with any interest
organizations and should not accept party endorsements.
http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/msg03990.html
Jeanne Weigum posted a story about a case that she was involved in
before incumbent judge Mike Fetsch. She expressed her displeasure
with his handling of the case and stated that she "will not be voting
for Judge Fetsch."
http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/msg03991.html
Tom Goldstein expressed his confidence in Jeanne Weigum's opinions
and the added fact that Patricia Sifferle is a "Carleton grad, which
means she's gotta have something on the ball!"
http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/msg03993.html
Anne Carroll posted comments which suggest caution in making voting
decisions based upon one experience or event. She goes on to raise
interesting questions about how we make choices that affect who we
support or choose not to support in an election.
http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/msg03994.html
Brian Bates takes us back to the question of choosing judges by
election vs. appointment. He expresses frustration at the manner in
which judges have subverted the constitutional process, by making it
a practice to leave office mid-term so that their successor can be
appointed. He suggests that we elect judges or that we change our
constitution and appoint them, but that we not continue this practice
of midterm appointments to prevent genuine contested judicial
elections.
http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/msg03995.html
--------------------------------------------------
Please, add your own thoughts, ideas, or CORRECTIONS to this very
interesting discussion.
Post to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--
Tim Erickson
List Manager
St. Paul Issues Forum
http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/
Hamline Midway Resident
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