The New Politics of Judicial Elections in the Great Lakes States, 2000-2008
WASHINGTON, D.C.-- The Justice at Stake Campaign: This special report shows how five midwestern states—Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin—have become caught up in America’s “New Politics of Judicial Elections.”
Between 2000 and April of 2008, four of these states have become national symbols of rising special interest pressure on state Supreme Courts, along with serious attempts at reform. Attorneys, business interests, ideological groups and political partisans have locked themselves into an escalating arms race. Judges and justices routinely raise millions of dollars from contributors whose cases they decide. Campaign ads are designed to destroy confidence in the integrity of the candidates. Above all, special interests are working to convert judicial elections into a tool of political intimidation rather than public accountability. Read the full report...
