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August 15, 2007 (Listen to the ad) here
(Jefferson City) – The non-partisan, not-for-profit Adam Smith Foundation announced today that it had begun airing radio ads to intensify its efforts to remove partisanship from Missouri’s judicial selection process.
The ads come as Judge Laura Stith and the Appellate Judicial Commission face tough questions regarding their blatant disregard for Missouri’s Sunshine Open Records Law during the process of interviewing and voting on judicial nominees for the Missouri Supreme Court. This first round of ads highlights the secretive process used by the Commission and urges Judge Stith to abide by the spirit of public process laws that apply to the rest of state government.
“We are airing these ads because we believe that the process for selecting Supreme Court judges should be open and visible to the public just like all other government activity,” stated John Elliott. “Government decisions affect our daily lives. As such, Missourians are entitled to accountability at every level of that government, and the judicial selection process is no exception.”
Supreme Court Chief Justice Stith and influential trial attorneys of the Missouri Bar have attempted to defend the secret meetings by claiming that a Supreme Court rule trumps the open records law. Despite these claims, the Adam Smith Foundation believes Missourians will agree with the radio ads that accountability and openness in the judicial selection process better serves the citizens of our state. Furthermore, it is the only way to guarantee that judges are chosen based on merit and qualifications instead of backroom deals and the pressure of special interest groups.
For more information on the Adam Smith Foundation and to listen to the radio ad, please visit www.AdamSmithFoundation.org.
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0 responses so far ↓
1 a shaffer // Aug 26, 2007 at 3:57 pm
Is this a joke.
This ad appears to be a blatant attempt by one branch of government to dictate to another branch of government, how to operate. The Judicial commission selection process was created to avoid partisan politics. The process works, obviously, if it didn’t Blunt would have already been able to force his campaign contributors or worse, his family or friends upon the people. If Blunt had it his way, he probably would appoint his brother the ticket scalper to the bench.
Because the selection process works and the selection committee was able to avoid undue political influences, Blunt changed his game plan and is now trying to change the process by confusing the people.
Legalizing ticket scalping for his brother seems more his speed. How much money is being wasted on this fight? I hope the people of Missouri can smell this campaign for what it is.
This reminds me of a spoiled kid throwing a tantrum because he didn’t get to stay up and watch TV. Blunt, I think it is way past your bedtime.
2 John Wilburn // Aug 26, 2007 at 4:13 pm
What a load of crap you are selling. Do you really think that behind closed doors decisions on Supreme Court judges would be better if the governor was doing it? At leas with the current plan, we have a greater chance of partisan politics being removed from the equation. Just imagine the judges that Jay Nixon will put into office if he becomes governor.
I am not sure if you are stupid or just ignorant.
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