Bill would take parties off ballots in high-court races

[davidinalameda]

http://www.wvgazette.com/section/News/Other%20News/2005021426

West Virginia’s Supreme Court candidates would seek office in nonpartisan campaigns under a Senate proposal some say could eventually be used to remove political affiliations from all judicial elections.

Senate Bill 190 would require ballots for the 2008 high-court campaign to be “printed without reference to political party affiliation or registration.” The bill was introduced Monday.

The push for changes in judicial election rules appeared to gain support after last year’s contentious Supreme Court race between Democratic incumbent Warren McGraw and Charleston lawyer Brent Benjamin, the Republican victor

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

1. what about banning coal-funded phony child advocacy groups?

For the Sake of the Children, my ass!

[WildClarySage]

2. AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[davidinalameda]

3. I think the legislature is addressing that as well

[MrSandman]

4. Take the politics from the judiciary...

How can a SC justice make a decision based on law if concerned about the next campaign?

At least Circuit decisions of law are subject to review.

[davidinalameda]

5. but the justices still have to be appointed by someone

and approved by someone as well

I can't see anyway to take politics completely out of the judiciary

[MrSandman]

6. So true...

But it is better than elections. Esp. if they are appointed for life or for one term only.