Nathan Benefield posted on 5/16/2010 10:13:00 PM
Jared,

I too was surprised with the percentage opposing merit selection/judicial appointment, as it polls worse than legalizing all marijuana use.

I think there are three factors:
1) The question was very long, so when in doubt, some surveyed said no.

2) Voters don't like you taking away their vote, even on judges (and even if it means taking away their idiot neighbors as well).

3) Voters trust their Governor and lawmakers to select good judges even less than their idiot neighbor.

Jared posted on 5/14/2010 6:04:00 PM
The LCB privatization numbers are encouraging, but I find it incredible that opposition to merit selection for judges runs so high. Have voters really convinced themselves not only that they are qualified to determine, principally on the basis of advertisements touting the candidates as "tough on crime" or "committed to a safer community" or "standing up for the little guy," the qualifications of a potential judge, but that their neighbors are as well?

That's usually the test. Everyone thinks his own choice will be uncommonly intelligent or inspired, but what does the guy down the street know about what makes a good judge?

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