Judicial elections, democratic appointment (e.g., senate confirmation), and the Missouri Plan (a/k/a "merit selection")

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Friday, June 26, 2015

Nebraska Supreme Court Nominating Commission

Each of the seven seats on the Nebraska Supreme Court has its own judicial nominating commission. These commissions consist of nine members: a Supreme Court judge, four members selected by the bar, and four members appointed by the governor. According to Omaha.com one of four nominees for the Nebraska Supreme Court served as an alternate on a nominating commission and may be barred from the appointment to the court. "A little-known provision of the state constitution," says that "finalists for judgeships may not have served on a nominating commission for at least two years prior to their nomination to the bench."

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Judge Rated Low by Bar Wins GOP Primary: Surprising Pennsylvania Supreme Court Election?

In the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Republican primary a candidate, Judge Anne Covey,  rated “not recommended” by the Pennsylvania Bar Association defeated Justice Correale Stevens who the bar rated “highly recommended,” Malia Reddick points out. Previously, Covey called the judicial-evaluation process of the Pennsylvania Bar Association as "unethical, unprofessional, and less than forthright," according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Three seats on the court are open in the general elections this November. The GOP candidates (who each won the May primary) are Anne Covey, Michael George, and Judith Olson

The Philadelphia Inquirer discusses campaign contributions.