Endorsing judges would be wrong
If the Republican Party of Minnesota is indeed serious about controlling policy-making, its top priority in the elections ahead should be to elect legislators who can control state government and pass laws meeting their wishes. It should not be through a policy of endorsing judges.
But just such folly floated from Rochester and the Republican State Convention. The party faithful again turned its attention to such an endorsement plan. The matter even reached the floor where Supreme Court Justice Kathleen Blatz, a well-respected member of the bench and a former Republican lawmaker, did not win endorsement.
We’ve long believed judicial appointments should remain party-free. Some would eliminate the election process, as well. The theory is that those sitting on the bench must remain completely neutral as they approach their duties and make legal decisions based on law, not one’s political agenda or beliefs.
It is the same theory that holds true for city council, town board, school board and county commissioners in our area. It’s a process the Republicans should not mess with.
Judges should stand for election based on their credibility and ability to make judicial decisions on issues of law, not politics. Through the ballot box there is a means to getting rid of those who do not do the job.
When decisions from the bench are a reflection of politics or give the impression of being politically driven, our legal system will suffer greatly.
And it is sure to drive out competent people who might otherwise stand for public service as a judge.
We are troubled by this Republican Party move for more than the reasons stated above. There is an equal danger that such a system would create just the opposite of what the Republicans want.
It’s not hard to image those with counter philosophical beliefs of the Republicans doing a better job of organizing and electing judges who will turn the tables on the Republican planners to the benefit of no one.
We would hope most sitting judges would reject the endorsement system and not allow any party involvement in their upcoming elections. The weekend in Rochester has tarnished the reputation of sound public servants such as Justice Blatz and it will do little good in the party achieving its political agenda.
And it’s the political agenda that should not be allowed in the campaigns for judges or in courtroom.
