One In and One Out

 

       Michigan democrats have finally landed on a candidate to run for the state supreme court. Barring an 11^th hour change of strategy, Marietta Robinson will take on incumbent GOP Chief Justice Cliff Taylor in what could be the most expensive and contentious court contests ever.

       Robinson is an Oakland County attorney and ran unsuccessfully against Taylor last time out.  But this time her party believes she has a good chance at winning because Taylor has compiled a record the democrats will try to use against him.

      Robinson has been out of the country but look for a formal announcement from the party soon.

      The Robinson candidacy has the blessing of Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

      Both Democratic Party chair Mark Brewer and GOP chair Saul Anuzis predict the race will cost upwards of $20 million which would be an all time high for the high court seat.

      During her only televised debate with Taylor during the last campaign, Robinson was very aggressive as she hurled one accusation after another at the sitting justice.  At one point, Taylor opined, "If what you say is true, you should not be (talking to the moderator) about this.  You should be talking to the sheriff."

      While Robinson prepares to jump into the statewide contest, Upper Peninsula democrat Rep. Bart Stupak is jumping out of the race for governor.

      Last year on Mackinac Island the congressman expressed interest in seeking the nomination. This year on the island his mind had changed.

     "I'm not running," he declared after a seminar he attended with other members of the Michigan Congressional delegation on Friday.

      "Should we take your name off the list?"

      He said yes.

      Stupak who is running for reelection to Congress gave no reasons for dropping out before he ever got in.

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