Debates

I was at the Fowlerville and Howell Judicial Debates. Tonight's the Hamburg debate. I'll probably be unable to make that one.

The Probate Article is linked there. Seven are running and two will run off in the general election. I don't think there was a clear winner in Probate. All brought their strengths to the race. I do think one candidate hurt himself in the debates with his arrogance. I have no idea who is going to win there. Anytime there's a seven way race, anything can happen.

The open District race was discussed here. All three did very well in both debates. This race has slipped through the radar some. I think all three candidates would make a good judge.

The other district race was the last debate. I suspect the Argus set it up that way so people stay.

I thought Jay had a very slight edge over the others in the first debate in Fowlerville. He gained two votes from his answer on small claims matters which IMO gave him the slight edge. Other than that, I'd call the Fowlerville debate a draw.
Brennan performed well in Fowlerville (Where there was no political question), although I thought she was a little defensive and irritated in the Howell debate. In the Howell debate, Jay was excellent. He was prepared, thought well on his feet, and handled all questions well. The political question was first, and Jay was ready and answered it correctly. While party label does not matter, philosophy does.

One other thing that should be mentioned. Bill McCririe pointed out to the audience that district judges are now assigned some circuit court cases. That makes judicial activism an issue now at the District Court level (outside of moving up to Circuit/Appeals). Why does that matter? Because now injunctions can be issued. If the ACLU wants to make things tough against pro-lifers - injunction. If new development around Howell Gun Club leads to Ann Arbor transplants trying to shut it down - injunction. These things would happen at Circuit Court, and if District Judges are assigned to Circuit Court, philosophy now matters there as well.