Whoa. Supreme Court candidate Nena Cook was one of the so-called "Democrats for Smith"
Kari Chisholm
I've been trying to wrap my brain around the Supreme Court race for a while now. After all, folks I trust have endorsed both Nena Cook and Dick Baldwin.
Baldwin's got Barbara Roberts, Ted Kulongoski, Chip Shields, Val Hoyle, Bob Stoll, OLCV, SEIU 503, OEA, AFL-CIO, AFT, and many more. Cook's got Darlene Hooley, Kurt Schrader, Sara Gelser, Gail Shibley, Serena Cruz Walsh, Terry Bean, ILWU, Teamsters, Stonewall Democrats, and many more. And I've got friends actively working on both campaigns.
Update: I got a note from Terry Bean that he's endorsed Dick Baldwin for Supreme Court, not Nena Cook.
But the great thing about BlueOregon is that - unlike some other media outlets around here - our archives live forever. And with some 9700 blog posts over eight years, there's a lot of history in there.
And here's a bit of history that's not so ancient - and pretty relevant here.
To me, that tips the scale dramatically in Judge Baldwin's favor. You see, the "Democrats for Smith" were a bunch of folks (not all of whom were actually Democrats, mind you) who seemed to think that Oregon was a better place having "one of each" - that Gordon Smith's big smile and friendly demeanor was enough to qualify him as a non-scary Republican. But the fact is that Gordon Smith was a perfect representative of, by, and for the One Percent, long before that concept had crystallized itself in the public consciousness.
Any person that called themselves a Democrat - and yet supported Gordon Smith - was either deluding themselves or trying to pull one over on the public.
Now, I've heard second-hand that Cook is now telling people that she was on the Democrats for Smith list "by mistake". If she's calling it a grave error in judgment, I'll give her that one. But if she's saying that she never supported Gordon Smith, well, that's just not supported by the evidence.
In 2007 and 2008, the Democrats for Smith effort was a major public undertaking by Smith. It involved a standalone website, TV ads, print ads, and regular promotion for 18 months. And Democratic activists - including right here at BlueOregon - regularly called it out for attention. A number of individuals - including numerous small-town mayors and a state legislator - removed themselves from the list when they found themselves on it.
And Nena Cook was on the list from the beginning to the end. (Those links point to historical archives at archive.org, stretching over 15 months.)
So, I'm sorry to my friends that are supporting Nena Cook. But if she's the sort of person who deluded herself into thinking that Gordon Smith was standing up for progressive values, then she's not the sort of person I want on the Oregon Supreme Court.
I'm voting for Dick Baldwin.
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9:20 a.m.
Oct 23, '12
Thank you for this article Kari. It is important that people look beyond Nena Cook's progressive personal beliefs, because her employment and political involvement demonstrate a pattern of working on behalf of large businesses and their interests. Of the two candidates, only Judge Baldwin has built a career on serving the underserved and building a justice system that works for all Oregonians regardless of status. He is a true hero for justice.
*Full disclosure: I worked on Judger Baldwin's primary campaign, and am no longer an Oregon voter. However, he is still a remarkable candidate and deserving of the consideration and vote of any Oregonian that calls themselves progressive.
8:10 a.m.
Oct 24, '12
So, I read the article regarding Nena Cook.. And do you know what! I refuse to believe that because a person made a choice to vote for a candidate that is NOT "Blue" or "Democrat" makes them a orphan in their own party? I refuse to believe that disqualifies one for a vote or a endorsement from a particular group of people. OregonBlue is wrong to make this judgement. This eliminates a entire group of possible voters. We don't discuss topics any longer. We "fight" about them. Cooperation and compromise, nope, it is divisiveness and just say "no.".. Gottcha Politics instead of what is best of the country. With this article, in my opinion, OregonBlue is now just a GUILTY as the other side. Great Going... end of rant.
9:42 a.m.
Oct 24, '12
I'm proud to have voted for Mark Hatfield.
11:23 a.m.
Oct 24, '12
Non sequitur alert. Gordon Smith is no Mark Hatfield. If voting for Smith over Merkley does not qualify as bad judgment, then I have trouble figuring out what does.
10:01 a.m.
Oct 24, '12
Doesn't the endorsement of Gordon Smith speak to her judgement? Your response seems polarizing to me. I would like for you to offer a reason to vote for someone that thought that Gordon Smith would be better for Oregon than Jeff Merkley. A Senator whom I believe is one of the finest public servants in the country. If you can tell me why endorsing Smith was good judgement then we could have a reasonable discussion. I voted for Ms. Cook in the primary but this revelation gives me pause and an ad hominem attack against the way it was reported doesn't really hold sway.
8:26 p.m.
Oct 24, '12
Thanks for visiting our little website, BlueOregon. I like the cheese, too.
9:34 a.m.
Oct 23, '12
As the manager for Nena's campaign, I want to share with you the background on how Nena's name was mistakenly listed on the Democrats for Smith website.
In early 2005, Nena was approached by HRC and asked if she would support its recognition of Gordon Smith for his support of the federal hate crimes legislation that was initiated after the murder of Matthew Shepard. As president of the Oregon State Bar, she was considered a community leader whose support of an award for a Republican who took a strong stand for legislation that was important to the LGBT community would be meaningful. She agreed to support the award going to Gordon Smith.
If someone took Nena's support for Smith's stand on hate crimes legislation, which was lauded by many Democrats, and used it as authorization to list her as a supporter of his reelection on a website three years later, it was without her knowledge or permission.
9:51 a.m.
Oct 23, '12
Sorry, Christopher. But that's utter nonsense.
Her name was listed as a member of the steering committee of Democrats for Smith for nearly two years. Not a member. On the steering committee.
Democrats for Smith was the subject of television ads and print ads in newspapers all over Oregon (that included her name.) Look at it here (pdf). And it was the subject of intense media interest, here at BlueOregon, and all over the place.
Lots of people figured it out - and asked to be removed from the Democrats for Smith steering committee. If Nena Cook wanted to be removed but did not, then she's a clueless chump.
But more likely, she thought it was good politics to be for Gordon Smith - a decision she'd now like to pretend never happened.
Of course, if you have evidence that she flipped over to support Jeff Merkley in 2008, then I'm all ears.
11:43 a.m.
Oct 24, '12
Just noticing that a day later there has been not response from Christopher.
11:04 a.m.
Oct 23, '12
:/
11:32 a.m.
Oct 23, '12
That's all I need to know. Thanks, Kari. I and those who seek my advice on how to vote will support Baldwin.
12:44 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
Wow. Very helpful post. My lean towards Baldwin just solidified.
12:45 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
Not knowing which to vote for I looked at the endorsements and got my answer. Baldwin
1:16 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
Whoa,indeed, Kari.
Look, most of us are not interested in the ringside seat for all the smear, backbiting, and political infighting. It's what drive people away from the process of democracy.
It makes it hard for Precinct Committee People - like me - to find, engage, and keep connected the root constituency that the Democrats are built on. To bring in the volunteers and votes.
So stop it.
Either cite two (2)primary sources - as standard journalistic practice -that Nena Cook KNEW she was listed as affiliated with the 2008 Democrats for (Gordon) Smith steering committee or cut bait.
A PDF of a flier is not evidence she knew. Saying all the other cool kids on the block knew is not, either. All 9700 Blue Oregon blogs did not say she knew - no one knows how many you drew from or the dates because you don't cite them. In all those 97000000000000000000000000000000000 entries, which are those?
About all you did draw out her campaign manager into a pissing match.
Stop it.
Stop using the power of citizen blogging as a vanity press.
We got enough vanity from Mitt with his boot-blackened-for-the-camera hair.
Enough to wade through out here in trenches to keep the folks with kids and mortgages and no insurance and not enough work and no money for college loans and retirement savings long gone engaged.
Enough mud to climb over to get to the folks who are beat up and so damn scared of tomorrow that at the end of the day all they know is it needs to get better, but are too tired to figure out how.
What I need and what they need is to be energized and empowered. That means facts and clarity from the blue press. Now. It gets real. 13 days.
Two citations that Nena Cook knew.
Two good reasons, integrity for a vote, that I can give the Democrats in my precinct.
3:02 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
Sorry, Teresa, but no. There's no way to prove what may or may not have been inside another person's head.
But here's what we do know, and is on the public record: Gordon Smith's campaign published a website and printed newspaper advertisements (not a flier) that included Nena Cook's name as one of a very short list of prominent endorsers. (I believe she was president of the Oregon State Bar at the time, right?) They ran TV ads promoting the website.
If Nena Cook didn't know that her name was being used in this way, then she's a clueless chump.
If Nena Cook did know, didn't like it, and did nothing, then she's a patsy.
If Nena Cook did know, didn't like it, and asked to be removed from the list - only to have that objection ignored by the Smith campaign (unlike the many others who successfully had their name removed) - then she's got a legitimate beef with this post. If that's the case, I look forward to seeing the evidence to that effect, and retracting this post.
But because I think that Nena Cook is a smart, savvy, connected individual, I think the most likely explanation is that she very much wanted to be listed among the other leading lights found on "Democrats for Smith". And she's only now backtracking because it's apparent how bad that choice turned out to be.
Let's be clear: Those who defend her arguing that "golly, she had no idea her name was being used that way" are calling her a clueless chump. I don't share that low opinion of her, and it's odd that some of her supporters would.
4:00 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
I'm open to another possibility: that Nena Cook allowed her name to represent her organization's stance in the 2008 race, whether it matched her personal philosophy or not.
As a staff person for various organizations and campaigns over the years, there have been times when I've had to put my name out there in support of a position I didn't personally agree with.
I'm fortunate in that I've worked for organizations that very closely mirror my personal sense of how the world should work. So when I testify, write a letter, speak to a community organization or ask for a vote, I'm speaking from my heart as well as my employer's directive.
There are the rare times, however, when my employer's position is different from mine. In my professional capacity, I MUST lobby/testify/represent the cause with gusto so that my employer gets the most bang for their buck, and furthers the organization's cause whether it is in line with my personal preferences or not. There may always be a record of my testimony/writings, etc. that are not in alignment with my personal position, but that's just part of the job.
In this case, I don't know whether the OR State Bar endorsed a candidate in 2008. But if the Bar endorsed Smith, and Ms. Cook worked for the Bar, she may have been taking one for the team.
Honestly, this is a possibility I'm open to, but I don't know. I'm interested to know if someone knows more about this than I do.
4:11 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
The Oregon State Bar does not endorse candidates for office. It does poll its membership on judicial elections. And Baldwin won that preference poll handily over Nena Cook.
4:53 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
Interesting. Thanks for the info.
8:00 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
Nick, I didn't know that. Thank you.
Just to connect two very close dots:
Nena Cook was elected president of the Oregon State Bar.
The membership of that same Bar, which had previously elected her to their presidency, has now identified her opponent as their preference for the Supreme Court.
Yeah. That speaks volumes.
10:49 a.m.
Oct 24, '12
Kari, speaking as a long-time member of the Oregon State Bar - no, that doesn't speak volumes. I've been a member of the state bar for 26 years, and I pay literally no attention to who the president is. I don't know who the bar president is now, and I couldn't have told you who it was during Nena's time in office.
Of course there are plenty of Oregon lawyers who do pay attention. Based on the lawyers I have known during my years in practice, though, I think I'm about average. I suspect that the bar members who pay close attention to OSB politics (or even bother to vote in bar elections and polls) probably represent a significant minority. Most of us just are too busy trying to have a personal life while practicing a difficult and not always pleasant profession.
So don't just assume that "the state bar" feels any particular way based on those who vote for its officers and in judicial preference polls, much less that there is a significant connection between the two. There isn't.
Also, I suggest take a look at the track record of OSB judicial preference polls in predicting judicial elections. It might surprise you.
11:19 a.m.
Oct 24, '12
I've been a member of the state bar for 26 years, and I pay literally no attention to who the president is. I don't know who the bar president is now, and I couldn't have told you who it was during Nena's time in office.
Fair point. I'll buy that.
I suggest take a look at the track record of OSB judicial preference polls in predicting judicial elections. It might surprise you.
Well, the OSB preference poll is surely not intended to be predictive. (That's what punditology is for!) It's a poll of lawyers to indicate their preference - sort of a mass endorsement score.
4:41 p.m.
Oct 24, '12
Lawyers would like to think the bar polls are not so much predictive as persuasive to voters. The opposite appears to be true, or at least it was back when I was paying closer attention (because I worked for the Oregon Supreme Court). I remember there being an almost complete inverse correlation between the bar's choices and the election winners. It was disheartening. Maybe that's why I don't vote in bar polls anymore.
4:40 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
I don't think President of the OSB is an employee of the OSB. When you add that to the OSB not endorsing candidates, this comment is pretty much beside the point.
8:21 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
If she didn't know she should have known.
By this logic, if one were to criticize a legislators vote they could simply say I didn't know how I voted and you would demand two sources they they knew how they voted.
The record means something.
3:18 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
Nena Cook is running for judge, not Democratic caucus leader. A lot of otherwise progressive people were somehow enamored with Gordon Smith. HRC endorsed him as a senate candidate (a decision that alienated me for years). Elizabeth Furse, a role model for progressive women in Oregon, campaigned hard for Smith.
Personally, I tend to believe the explanation offered by Cook's campaign, that her connection to Smith was limited to the role she was asked to play as Oregon State Bar President in highlighting the hate crimes legislation. Cook was an incredibly active and hard working president of the bar. She elevated that position to one that addressed the concerns of not only lawyers, but the people and communities we are supposed to serve.
I was part of a group of law students who tried to work with the Oregon State Bar to set up a loan repayment assistance program for law grads who needed tuition debt relief in order to enter public interest jobs (like Legal Aid, public defender services, etc.). Cook's predecessor blew us off. When Cook was elected, she reached out to us, made the project a priority and established the program permanently. The difference was night and day. The program is still up and running and makes it possible for greater numbers of lawyers to help underserved populations in Oregon.
I am glad that this conversation is taking place and appreciate all of the thoughtful posts. I don't need to know everyone Cook endorsed or voted for since her 18th birthday. I know what her values are as a lawyer and prospective judge and she has my unqualified support.
8:01 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
In 2008, when Cook was a steering committee member for Democrats for Smith, the Human Rights Campaign explicitly declined to endorse Smith - and publicly announced that decision.
10:49 p.m.
Oct 24, '12
Where is the proof?????
8:05 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
Thanks for your thoughtful notes about your experience with Nena Cook. That's helpful to some folks, I'm sure.
And I don't expect everyone to think the "Democrats for Smith" is as disqualifying as I think it is. But for me, it's deadly.
In a race between two people who claim to be progressives, it's instructive to me that only one endorsed a millionaire Senator who's biggest (only?) policy victory was a tax break for multinational corporations so vast and ridiculous that George W. Bush's treasury secretary said that we could have created more jobs if we would just fly over Beverly Hills in a helicopter dumping cash out of the window.
3:34 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
Thanks for this, Kari.
4:31 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
Not that I've ever done it, but supporting a Republican is not necessarily a serious character flaw, certainly not one that bars a person from polite company for all time.
It's not like Cook punched anyone or voted in Oregon while living in Washington, or lied about her relationship with someone under 18 or even decided to fluoridate everyone's water without asking them.
I don't really see how this sad and misguided episode in her life is disqualifying.
After all, Gordon Smith was certainly not a tea-partier or some other toad from from the crazy wing of the Republican party.
By today's standards he would be called a moderate and would no doubt have faced a vicious primary challenge from the right.
4:36 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
So, does the complaint against Nena have to do with her support of the hate crimes legislation work (something Smith just happened to be ahead of the ball on), or is it that she missed the fact that her name was being used outside of what she had expected at the time?
5:51 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
It has to do with the fact that Oregon's lawyers, judges, and Democratic leadership overwhelmingly support Baldwin, because he's much more prepared for this job than Cook.
Since this is a judicial election where an attack by either candidate would be out of line, and since Cook's misleading campaign makes it impossible for unconnected voters to understand the difference between the candidates, Baldwin's supporters will throw whatever they can at her and see if it sticks.
9:47 a.m.
Oct 24, '12
We're talking about a bar preference poll, where a small fraction of lawyers appear to have registered any opinion.
And Zach, you're wrong, Judge Baldwin does appear to have directly attacked Ms. Cook which is pretty surprising.
As a lawyer who practices in both trial and appellate courts, and cares about having great judges on both, I voted for Nena Cook.
11:31 a.m.
Oct 24, '12
Why do you think she will make a better Supreme court justice than Baldwin?
8:07 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
If her timeline is to be believed, then the hate crimes stuff was in 2005. And it came from HRC.
But by 2008, HRC had disavowed Gordon Smith - but Nena Cook was a steering committee member for "Democrats for Smith"
5:48 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
Perhaps dear readers can come up with some sort of pure blue grading system similar to grading inclusions in diamonds.
Such as:
Flawless: No inclusions or blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification. Extremely rare, less than 1 in 5000 jewelry quality diamonds are rated FL.
IF: Internally Flawless: No inclusions, only blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification.
VVS1 VVS2: Very, Very Slightly Included: Inclusions are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification.
VS1 VS2 Very Slightly Included: Inclusions are clearly visible under 10x magnification but can be characterized as minor. Inclusions are not visible to the naked eye.
SI1 SI2 Slightly Included: Inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader using 10x magnification.
SI1 is the lowest grade with flaws often invisible to the naked eye.
Then, Blue Oregon readers could have a grade for each candidate based on the number of flaws a candidate had. Even if those flaws were only visible with a microscope to Democratic Party Cardinals.
That being said...I'm voting for Judge Baldwin because of his trial court experience. Because of his overwhelming support from the bar. And, because Nena Cook has the endorsement of virtually all the District Attorneys. I find that group to not be particularly hospitable to civil rights and willing to occasionally use political strong arm tactics to achieve their policy goals. A corporate lawyer backed by law enforcement will likely not give the broadest interpretation to the Bill of Rights.
8:08 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
For members of Congress, you can find exactly that sort of a grading system over at ProgressivePunch.com.
7:40 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
Democratic Party Cardinals? The party has not endorsed anyone in this race. Any Democrat endorsing Baldwin or Cook is doing it entirely on his/her own. As an officer in the DPO, I take issue with the name Cardinals. I'm a die-hard Red Sox fan.
8:17 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
"With liberty and justice for all" — I feel proud when I recite these words in the Pledge of Allegiance, which embodies the values of our democracy. Yet as a woman, I feel marginalized sometimes when I look at Baldwin's record.
Gender inequality still reigns in laws and our culture. Here are three examples: 1. Equal pay for equal work would not only be justice for all, but also would instantly stimulate our economy. 2. The same holds for raising the minimum wage — many women today are the sole family wage earners. 3. Protecting women's health-care funding. On Nov. 6, we have the choice to elect Nena Cook for Oregon Supreme Court, Her innovative ideas and integrity will bring a fresh perspective to the Supreme Court. Her thoughtful approach to solving problems and deep concerns for fairness will serve all of us well. I hope you, too, will vote for Nena Cook!!!!! Blueoregon is 100% a vehicle for the candidates that Chisholm/Burr support but I guess The Republicans are correct when it comes to kari "Where we eat our Own!!" not only did you just Dish Jefferson but where will Blue oregon draw the Line!!!!
10:24 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
Blueoregon is 100% a vehicle for the candidates that Chisholm/Burr support...
Nonsense. BlueOregon is an open forum. Just 10 days ago, we published a guest column from Commissioner Dick Schouten supporting Nena Cook..
BlueOregon is an open forum. Our contributors are welcome to support her (and they have), and we'll continue to publish guest columns from Nena herself and her supporters.
10:12 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
When a candidate for judge endorses a GOP politician, it's an endorsement of that candidates philosophy and the party he stands for. Today the GOP no longer believes in the separation of church and state, no longer believes that a woman's body is her own. Just today we have a Senate candidate in IN, Richard Mourdock, who has been endorsed by Mitt Romney, who has stated that rape pregnancies are the will of God and should be enforced by the law of the land. That is the governing philosophy of the GOP and in their platform. Do we want to vote for a Supreme Court judge who endorses that philosophy and the party that espouses it, and that includes Gordon Smith? That record is certainly going to influence my vote for such a judge position.
10:46 p.m.
Oct 23, '12
I am a practicing lawyer in Portland, and I do not think this election is a close call for progressive voters.
Judge Baldwin has an incredible record as a public service lawyer and trial judge. His website lays out those qualifications -- www.electjudgebaldwin.com. One of the commenters questioned his commitment to women's issues. If you review his biography, you will see how off base that criticism is. For example, he co-founded the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic Violence and he represented employees in employment discrimination claims.
The website for Nena Cook's law firm, Sussman Shank, has a biography page for Ms. Cook, along with a list of representative cases. The cases chosen to represent her work are not likely to appeal to progressive voters. Ms. Cook emphasizes that she defended against claims brought by an injured veteran and two women who were fired while pregnant. She also notes other cases where she was defending against claims brought by individuals alleging racial discrimination and violation of free speech rights.
I encourage you to research this election carefully, because each Justice on the Oregon Supreme Court has a profound impact on the lives of Oregonians. I believe that Judge Baldwin's strong progressive background and impressive qualifications make him an easy choice.
9:22 a.m.
Oct 24, '12
I think this, more so than Nena Cook's possible previous support for Smith, says it all. Judge Baldwin has demonstrated throughout his entire career a commitment to expanding our justice system to best serve Oregonians of all backgrounds. His work to expand the drug treatment court and establish the mental health treatment court have earned him the support of sheriffs. His consistent, fair, and sound application of the law has earned him the support of his peers in every segment of the bar. He will bring invaluable trial experience to the Supreme Court at a time when it is losing two of its most distinguished trial judges. If you look only at the list of accomplishments of these two candidates, it is clear that only one has the experience and integrity to serve on Oregon's highest court.
10:04 a.m.
Oct 24, '12
I already voted for Judge Baldwin because he has a great record but this news just makes me even more convinced I made the right call.
11:17 a.m.
Oct 24, '12
I've made a small update to this post - got a note from Terry Bean that he's endorsed Dick Baldwin, not Nena Cook, for Supreme Court.
11:52 a.m.
Oct 24, '12
How ironic
11:33 a.m.
Oct 24, '12
As a practicing lawyer that does state court litigation (and limited appellate work) representing natural persons, most of whom or not wealthy, I am voting for Baldwin.
8:51 p.m.
Oct 24, '12
I've noticed Cook at several democratic functions. While going to a partisan event isn't illegal or immoral for a Supreme court candidate, I think it is uncool to say the least. They should have the "judgement" to stay away from partisan events.Most judges and judicial candidates do refrain from showing up at explicitly partisan fundraisers. Dick Baldwin in an honorable, smart and dedicated public servant. He will make a great Supreme court Judge. Vote for Baldwin!
8:45 a.m.
Oct 25, '12
Pass the popcorn please.....this is fun.
4:36 p.m.
Oct 25, '12
I do not think that any self-respecting Democrat would have served on the steering committee of Democrats for Smith.
Smith was no Hatfield. I cannot think of any worthwhile reason for any Democrat to support Smith over Merkley.
It's time for progressive Democrats to act on their beliefs and stop excusing rogue Democrats who desert worthwhile Democratic candidates at election time. Nena Cook could have kept her opinions to herself if she preferred Smith over Merkley and not campaigned for Smith. Her public actions should disqualify her from being supported by any progressive Democrats in this election or future ones. Otherwise, how can we keep calling ourselves a political party?
10:07 p.m.
Oct 25, '12
Rogue Democrats like the one that donated $500 to Republican Rep. Mark Johnson and hasn't endorsed the Democratic opponent Peter Nordbye?
8:36 p.m.
Oct 25, '12
I voted for Gerald Ford for President in 1976 because I considered Jimmy Carter too religious. (I know, seems silly now, doesn't it?)
Good thing I'll never run for public office.
11:31 p.m.
Oct 28, '12
This has been a great dialog! The kind that gave the Democratic Party its reputation for diversity of opinion.
So the verdict is still out for me. The involvement with Democrats for (Gordon) Smith was there, but on what basis is unclear even as it can reasonably be assumed Cook knew, it is now possibly not a matter of politics as much as her looking to get behind a record of Human Rights. However, with Kerala and John drawing out the facts around Baldwin's judicial history and Cook's law firm's client list, coupled with the link Kari provides to the previous article on Cook, there is much more to look at for a vote regards a nonpartisan election for a Supreme Court Judge. Two liberal - ahem excuse me - progressive Supreme Court Judge candidates to choose from would not seem likely to present as contentious for things getting better, and therefore no partisan harm or foul.
Stephanie -I was married to the son of a Chief Negotiator for the International UWA, when Carter was running. I got to see him first hand greeting a shift change and speaking to the workers; somewhere there is a picture of him holding my baby boy. That meeting and a few other things like a degree in nuclear physics, a strong civil rights record, and my living downstream from Chicago - where civil rights sometimes were upheld only by the influence of liberal religious organizations - I believed that History would be Jimmy Carter's big fan boy someday.
Kari - nicely done facilitating the comments. I am thinking that perhaps bringing out the judicial history of both candidates and referring to the URL of the previous article on Cook, even as a matter of supporting your position or to argue the premise it offers, would have shed more light on how blue the waters are around the candidates in a nonpartisan election. Though I still can't say I have enough substance to make my decision.
Maybe we can have coffee sometime? After the elections. ~!~
I really do feel fortunate to be part of such an awesome community of Democrats!