Let’s keep Minnesota’s courts impartial and free from the special interest attacks that are occurring in other states. In West Virginia, a coal mining company executive spent $3 million to help elect a Supreme Court judge, who is now attempting to hear a case involving the very same coal company. In our neighbor Wisconsin in 2008, a successful state Supreme Court candidate spent millions in advertising to falsely accuse the incumbent justice of freeing a rapist. Currently in Wisconsin, the chief justice of the Supreme Court has raised more than $1 million to spend on this spring’s election. Also last year in Michigan, one successful candidate spent over $1.1 million on television advertising in a two-week period, where he attacked his opponent as a terrorist sympathizer who gave light sentences to sexual predators.

Can’t happen in Minnesota? Think again.

Minnesota’s history of nonpartisan judicial elections is also under threat by special interests. Our respected and impartial justice system is in jeopardy unless we act now to protect it. Judicial campaigns based on predetermined positions on cases or issues convey the unmistakable impression that justice is for sale to the highest bidder. Numerous studies have shown that judges and ordinary citizens believe that campaign contributions influence judicial decisions. The central role of the courts — protection of individual rights, respect for existing law, and the check against other governmental branches — will eventually be destroyed under such a system.

Thankfully, a solution has been presented in Minnesota. Led by Gov. Al Quie and myself, Minnesotans for Impartial Courts and many concerned Minnesotans have proposed an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution that would have two essential components: 1. Performance evaluations of judges would be made by a citizens’ evaluation commission, which would publish its findings before elections; and 2. Judges’ subsequent terms would be confirmed by election by the public.

It is essential that the solution cover all of Minnesota’s courts — district, appellate, and Supreme Court. Most Minnesotans’ cases start and finish at the District Court level. Even in cases that are appealed, the fact-finding occurs at the District Court level. Special interests should not be involved in any part of the judicial process.

We all benefit from impartial courts. Please let your legislator know you support this amendment by contacting them in support of SF 70 and HF 224.

Roger D. Moe

co-chairman

Minnesotans for

Impartial Courts

Erskine