Analysis
This story is based up the Grand Rapids Bar Association’s ratings of the 4 candidates running for Circuit Court. The qualifications or standards that the bar used in these ratings were not shared by the bar with the GR Press as stated in the article. Three of the four candidates responded to this ratings system, but did potential voters learn anything about the candidates or the issues that would make them better equipped on election day?
Article Text
The Grand Rapids Bar Association’s evaluations are seen by some as a make-it or break it event in the course of a judge’s election. Others say it is just one factor among many that voters should consider.
Where candidates fall on that spectrum appears related to how they are rated by the 15-member panel that attempts to size up a candidate’s ability to serve as a jurist.
Among the four candidates that hope to advance from the Aug. 8 primary and into the general election for a new Kent County Circuit Court judgeship, the two who rate as “well qualified” plan to tout the distinction. Two others, who merited “qualified” status, hope voters look beyond a ranking that has drawn criticism over the years.
The bar association panel ranked private practice attorneys David Murkowski and Mark Trusock as “well qualified,” while Kent County Assistant Prosecutor Helen Brinkman and attorney Christian Krupp earned the “qualified” rating.
For Brinkman, the rating came as something of a shock. In 2002, she was rated “well qualified” for a family court judgeship, but lost to Daniel Zemaitis who was rated “qualified.”
Brinkman said she is confused by the decision since she has experience in all aspects of law that would be handled by the new judge.
“The bar association has said who lawyers want for judge and I hope that doesn’t translate into who people want for judge,” Brinkman said.
Trusock, who shared top honors, believes the bar ratings are fair, thorough and significant. He said the examination is done by the area’s top lawyers who do extensive research on the candidates, including interviews with judges, attorneys and court clerks.
“I can’t emphasize enough how unbiased this process is,” said Trusock, who ran in 2002 for circuit court and believes the fact that the bar did not rate candidates in that election hurt his chances.
Now, Trusock said he plans to let people know about his rating in advertising over the final two weeks before the primary, which will eliminate two candidates.
Murkowski could not be reached for comment.
From Krupp’s standpoint, he doesn’t think the ratings will make a substantial difference in a campaign that largely is under the radar of the electorate.
“At what point are we splitting hairs?” he wondered. “Obviously, I’d love to be “well qualified,” but it’s difficult to determine the difference between the two ratings. As long as you’re not “not qualified,” I don’t think anyone has a great advantage.”
Kent County Circuit Court Judge Paul Sullivan, the former president of the bar who appointed the ratings committee, said the bar does not release its rationale for the ratings.
“I don’t think any candidate should feel aggrieved if they are rated “qualified” instead of “well qualified” Sullivan said.
He said there are a number of factors that influence the ratings, including the type of judgeship that is up for grabs. He said it is one factor, but not the only factor, voters should consider. Sullivan says it speaks well of all the candidates that none were found “not qualified.”
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