Speak Now, or Forever Hold Your Peace… Governor’s Office seeks public comment on Colorado Supreme Court nominees
Speak Now, or Forever Hold Your Peace…
Governor Ritter has asked for public comment on the three nominees (he’ll pick one of the three) put forward by the Supreme Court Nominating Commission to replace outgoing Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey, who announced in June that she would retire rather than be held accountable by Colorado voters this November.
Send E-mails to judicial.appointments@state.co.us with your comments, concerns, or suggestions.
Our view is that 2 of the 3 nominees (Colorado Appeals Court Judge Robert Russel, and El Paso District Judge David Prince) appear to be qualified, while the 3rd (Deputy Attorney General Monica Marquez) lacks any judicial experience and seems to have built her entire career on policy & political activism. Marquez advocated in favor of the 2003 judicial takeover of legislative redistricting authority in the Salazar v. Davidson redistricting case, argued that “fees” are not taxes in the Barber v. Ritter case, and has sought to restrict the 1st Amendment rights of citizens seeking to address ballot issues in recent and ongoing cases. She appears to be Colorado’s version of Elena Kagan.
Although it may be possible to overcome a lifetime habit of political activism and advocacy to become a fair, impartial judge who upholds the rule of law, appointing someone without judicial experience to our highest court would only further erode public confidence in a Colorado Supreme Court already damaged by a decade of highly-politicized, anti-constitutional rulings.
Don’t let your opportunity to weigh in on this important issue slip away by failing to act when you had the chance – indeed, when you were asked to offer your opinion. Write the governor today to express YOUR views on selecting our next Colorado Supreme Court justice…
We The People can (indeed, as citizens, we must) hold our public officials – both elected & appointed – accountable. Be a citizen, not a subject – get informed, then express your opinion on which of these three nominees the governor should be appoint to become the next justice of the Colorado Supreme Court (it will be another 2 years before you’ll be able to weigh in at the ballot box, at the conclusion of their first – probationary – term of office).
Exercise your right to vote “NO” this November on the four (er, three remaining) ‘unjust justices’ of the Colorado Supreme Court’s “Mullarkey Majority”- (Justices Michael Bender, Alex Martinez, Nancy Rice – soon minus Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey) who need YOUR approval to continue taking away your constitutional rights: your right to vote on tax increases, your right to defend your home or business against seizure via eminent domain abuse, your right to be fairly represented in the legislature and Congress, and your right to enjoy the benefits of the rule of law, instead of suffering under rule by activist, agenda-driven “justices.” Support Clear The Bench Colorado with your comments (Sound Off!) and contributions – and exercise your right to vote “NO” on giving these unjust justices another 10-year term!
I sent in my comments about the replacement for Mullarkey.
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I fear it is all window dressing meant only to temper the disdain of the voters in regards to the call for transparancy and public input. This is not just a hallow allegation. X Supreme Court Justice Jean Dubofsky wrote in 2007 “For the most recent state supreme court appointment, the former chief counsel to the governor (who is in the last year of eight years in office) suggested two people whom she said the governor would like to see nominated.18 Because the governor appointed, or had a hand in appointing, all of the members of the appellate nominating commission, it was not surprising that two of the three names forwarded to the governor, following the interviews, were the names
his former counsel suggested.”
Because of the lack of transparency; one can never be sure if the new judge has been pre-selected and the request for public opinion is again, just window dressing….
Governor Ritter,
I’m replying to your request for input on nominees for Mary Mularky’s soon to be vacated seat as Colorado State Supreme Court Judge. It is my hope that you would place your serious consideration in El Paso District Judge David Prince. He has the most extensive knowledge to the workings of judicial action and would rule closest to the rule of law. Judge Robert Russell is also quite capable, having sat as the Colorado Court of Appeals Judge. I would also like to incourage you to resist your thoughts of appointing Deputy Attorney General Monica Marquez, as her record as an activist of policy & politics and her support of past legislation would further hurt the great state will live in. Attorney Marquez is a very poor choice who would rule by her personal agenda and NOT the rule of law. I sincerly hope to take this request into consideration as what would be best for our state as you prepare to make your final decision.
Thank you for your time,
Robert Murray
I’ve watched our local judges in action and have been personally impressed with their capabilities & knowledge. I had to opportunity to speak with one of the local judges regarding any insights about the candidates up for the CO Supreme Court. This judge is well-respected in the community & goes by rule of law. They spoke very highly of Robert Russel. Said he’s “brilliant” when it comes to understanding the Constitution and Constitutional law.
The people of Colorado would do well to have Colorado Appeals Court Judge, Robert Russel on the CO Supreme Court.