You could say that Waukesha County Circuit Judge J. "Mac" Davis was born to favor Republicans, as his Dad. Glenn Davis, was a Republican US Congressman for 20 years.
Mac Davis went into politics and served as a Republican State Senator before becoming a judge, we learn.
What luck for the GOP - - an activist judge just when you need it! - - that Mac Davis got the Republicans' case against the Government Accountability Board.
And that he decided it in the plainteiffs' favor, telling the GAB how to do its job - - in a manner that will delay the recall signature verification process and thus continue a fundraising advantage the recall law gives to Scott Walker, an incumbent.
Maybe Davis got the case because he is currently chief judge of a regional district. I remember covering Milwaukee County Circuit Court at times for The Milwaukee Journal, where I was told that cases were assigned by the clerk's office drawing lots - - except when the chief judge wanted a case for him or herself, or assigned to a particular judge.
But that was a long time ago. and in a different county.
If others can illuminate the Waukesha procedure for me, the comment box is yours.
Looks like a little research is in order on the big Mac in Waukesha.
ReplyDeleteNo one is disputing that Judge Davis has GOP credentials. His father was a GOP Congressman for Heaven's sake. But he's definately not one of the weirdo wingnut GOPers. In fact, I suspect he probably doesn't like them anymore than I (you) do. He ran in the GOP primary for Congress back when Jerry Kleczka represented the southside. His primary opponent was none other than Tom Reynolds. Judge Davis ran as a sane GOPer as opposed to a nutcake like Reynolds.
ReplyDeleteJudge Davis, in his tenure on the bench, has never, ever shown any kind of deference towards the state. From my point of reference, that's a breath of fresh air in Waukesha County.
He's actually a pretty bright non-political judge. I'm not happy with the decision, but I would trust it coming from Judge Davis as opposed to some of the hyper-partisan Judges in Waukesha County.
Don't know if drawing lots would solve the problem. All the Waukesha County judges are Republican anyway, with the exception of Domina, who worked as Corp Counsel for Milw County under Walker.
ReplyDelete@Mortified-- I disagree with your assessment. The point isn't that he's deferential to the state. His opinion rules against the state GAB, and strongly favors Walker and the Rep party. And my own take is that he isn't the non-political judge you claim he is. The ruling shows how one-sided it is... res ipsa loquitur.
Today, while all Waukesha Judges are GOPers. There have been some democrats...Mark Gempler and Patrick Synder for instance.
ReplyDeleteI imagine Kathy Nichalas would supervise the selection process. LOL
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