Ohio Supreme Court

[3rd Silo Record]

My wife and I were going over all of the open issues and candidates last night prior to going to bed, and we realized that we knew next to nothing about the candidates running for Ohio Supreme Court. So, we did some research online and were unable to find *anything* substantial about the candidates and where they stood on key issues. The League of Women Voters site was a let-down in that they primarily focus on education/job history.

Does anyone have any useful links or information available that might help us learn more about these people before we vote? I'm heading to the polls in about an hour and don't want to not vote for someone here.

[DaysWithoutEnd]

The Supreme Court nominees are generally not allowed to have 'positions' like most candidates. You won't find anything like that.

The only thing you can really do is see which party endorses them.

The Democrats endorse:
C. Ellen Connally
Nancy Fuerst
William O'Neil

[BigSugar]

This is from an attorney friend (and liberal to the best of my knowledge) who sent this info around to his clients regarding the Ohio Supreme Court:
______
Dear Friend

I’m certain that you’ve made up your mind regarding the Presidential election. However, as an attorney practicing in many courts throughout the state- including various Appellate Courts and The Ohio Supreme Court- I am concerned that the Ohio Supreme Court race is being overlooked.

The fact is that the Ohio Supreme Court race should be foremost in your mind. The OSC can, on any given day, dramatically alter your rights. In several recent cases, in fact, the OSC has substantially altered citizens rights for the worse. The Lawson case, discussed below, is one such recent example.

Please take the time to review the information below. This information is from a newsletter I recently sent all my clients.

Whether or not you choose to consider my recommendation, I hope that you will exercise your right as a citizen in this important election and go to the polls to vote on November 2.

Thanks for your time and feel free to pass this along

OHIO SUPREME COURT

In a similar manner, you should also be aware that beyond the Presidential race, the Ohio Supreme Court race will be the most important race in which you may vote in a very long time.

The current Ohio Supreme Court, not unlike the current administration, has demonstrated itself to being very committed to enriching insurance companies at the cost of the average worker.

I, like you, are greatly affected by decisions that are made by the Ohio Supreme Court. On September 29, the Ohio Supreme Court, in a 4 to 3 decision, made a ruling that permits health insurance companies to recover benefits paid for an injured person from the injured person’s settlement, whether or not the injured person has been fairly compensated for his or her injuries, pain and lost wages.

For example, if an injury victim collects $25,000 from the automobile insurance of the person who caused an accident because that is all the insurance that is available, and if the injury victim has $25,000 in lost wages and $25,000 in medical bills which were paid for by the injury victim’s health insurance, the health insurance company has been given the right to collect the entire amount received from the automobile insurance company, leaving nothing for the injury victim’s lost wages, pain and disability.

Such a decision could very well mean record profits for Ohio insurance companies with innocent accident victims living on the streets. Is this the kind of world you want for your family and friends?

I am bringing this important and, in my opinion, unfair decision to your attention because there are four justices to be elected to the Ohio Supreme Court this November. Two of the justices who voted in favor of this decision are running for election.

I am, therefore, respectfully requesting that you vote to elect Judge Connally, Judge Fuerst, Judge O’Neill, and Justice Pfeifer to the Ohio Supreme Court, because I believe these candidates will place the rights and interests of ordinary citizens on an equal level with those of insurance companies and large corporations.

The average worker in this country has been betrayed. American jobs have been shipped overseas to boost the profits of international corporations while the health benefits and wages, at home, have been ruthlessly slashed. Injured and sick workers in need have been ignored. At the same time, health insurance companies, like all other insurance companies, have grown obese on excess profits.

For all these reasons, I am asking for you to consider voting for John Kerry in the upcoming election; and to also vote for Judge Connally, Judge Fuerst, Judge O’Neill, and Justice Pfeifer to the Ohio Supreme Court.

I believe these candidates will place the rights and interests of ordinary citizens on an equal level with those of insurance companies and large corporations.

I wish you the very best.

*name deleted by Big Sug for Privacy*

P.S. Election day is only several days away. Voter turnout will be the key to victory. Turnout is expected to be greater than usual, so it may take you longer than usual to vote. Please go to your calendar for November 2 and schedule time to vote. If you need to be out of town that day, please vote by absentee ballot. Every vote matters, so please take time now to make sure you have plenty of time to vote on November 2. Thank you -- and remember that voter turnout is the key to victory.