I have written about the growing debate over church-state separation and all the issues tangled within it. But an election Tuesday in California dealt directly with the infusion of “Christian values” into government.
Four self-described Christian lawyers lost their election bids to unseat four San Diego Superior Court judges.
The incumbent judges easily defeated conservative attorneys who ran on a ticket called “Better Courts Now.” The four lawyers received no more than 35 to 40 percent of the vote in each race.
California is among 33 states where elections determine judgeships. In most states and probably in California, too, few people pay attention to races for seats on the bench. But this year was different.
“We believe our country is under assault and needs Christian values," said Craig Candelore, family law attorney and one of the “Better Courts Now” candidates, to a media outlet before the election. “Unfortunately, God has called upon us to do this only with the judiciary.”
Battles for the bench are under way in many states. Some believe the real power in changing life for the better in America now rests with judges — not lawmakers. So, the outcome in the San Diego election was getting as lot of attention. And unlike some parts of California, San Diego generally leans conservative.
Also recent changes in campaign finance laws and court decisions related to them make it easier for agenda-pushing politicians to enter the political arena with adequate amounts of money to win, many believe. Of course, those who fear the trend say that an independent judiciary offers the best way to maintain the division between church and state.
Yes, the election was in California. And I suppose some might think that makes it a bit suspect. But all states keep an eye on what happens during elections. And if the outcome of Tuesday’s election had boded well for “Christian courts,” be assured the trend would move from the “Left Coast” pretty quickly.
Resources:
- www.kpbs.org/news/2010/jun/09/bid/...
- www.foxnews.com/us/2010/05/30/christian-conservatives/...
- blog.au.org/2010/06/01/judges-and-the-ballot-box/...
- http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37426719/ns/politics/
Thanks for the post. I cannot speak to the faiths (or lack of faiths as you assert) of the sitting judges. I also know that the debate over electing and appointing judges remains contentious. I'll have to take a look at the California state Constitution to assess your claim of unconstitutionality. As for what people know (or do not know) about the sitting judges, I guess that's what this site is all about: encouraging people to find things out about government, all of its branches and get involved. Incumbents — good or bad — are tough to unseat,regardless of what platform they run on. Finally, I always find comments helpful and interesting. Best- Mac
Yea the atheist judges are still on the bench and the christian candidates have been beat. Hey who is going to double check if any religious judges are already on the bench??? I think that these candidates wanted to bring elections to the judiciary and bring awareness to the fact that judges are being appointed and not elected. This process is violating the California Constitution, but no one is talking about that, or why we know nothing about the sitting judges??? visit www.candeloreforjudge.com
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