Rich Robinson, Executive Director of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network is raising concerns that “a nasty, noisy and ridiculously expensive Michigan Supreme Court election campaign may be in the offing once again in 2008.” Robinson cites current Chief Justice Clifford Taylor and Michigan Democratic Party chairperson Mark Brewer who have both raised the prospect of a $20 million campaign when Justice Taylor runs for a second term next year. If the campaign reaches that amount, it would be twice the current national spending record for a state supreme court race.
A recent news release by the organization explains that the Michigan House of Representatives is currently conducting hearings on the financing of Supreme Court races and the absence of recusal or self-disqualification procedures. Robinson himself testified at a recent hearing describing the campaign finance environment for Supreme Court races as “an incubator for conflicts of interest.” Robison advocated for reforms including the aforementioned recusal standards and public financing of election campaigns.
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