For Immediate Release: August 8, 2024
Media contact: Alex Weddon - Pen2@voxlx.com - (734) 260-9610
TODAY: Michigan’s only State Supreme Court debate
Media can cover 2024’s only state Supreme Court debate in-person or via livestream
From 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. tonight, four candidates for the Michigan Supreme Court will answer questions about their judicial philosophies, qualifications for the Court, and practical decision-making.
The debate is being held at Hartland’s FloodGate Church and is organized by Pure Integrity Michigan and StandUp Livingston. All seven candidates for the Supreme Court - 5 Republicans and 2 Democrats - were invited to participate. The four participating candidates are:
Mark Boonstra
Andrew Fink
Patrick William O’Grady
Alexandria Taylor
The debate will have three moderators:
Retired federal judge William Wagner
Constitutional lawyer Erick Kaardal
Michigan Information Research Service Vice President Kyle Melinn
Debate emcees will be:
Pure Integrity Michigan Elections chair Patrice Johnson
Stand Up Michigan – Livingston County president Janine Iyer
Media may register here. Key details for attending in person are here. It will also be livestreamed on Facebook by Michigan Information & Research Service.
Comments from all candidates, moderators, and emcees are below.
Candidates
Mark Boonstra
“I am looking forward to attending the event and having a chance to present myself to the delegates and voters in your area. As an elected Judge, I have always been clear and transparent with the public and will continue this as a candidate for Michigan’s highest court.”
Andrew Fink
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to connect with voters and explain why I'm the candidate they can trust to uphold the rule of law from day one and lead the court towards constitutional jurisprudence for years to come. As recently seen in some high profile cases, the state Supreme Court plays a major role in important decisions in our state, and I am prepared to make a difference there.”
Patrick William O’Grady
“During my life of public service as a Michigan State Police Trooper, as a Prosecutor, and as a Judge, I have always made myself available to the public. The Michigan Supreme Court is incredibly important, and I have traveled the state extensively, participating in many candidate events and forums because I believe the people must really meet and understand the background of the candidates to make their best decision. I am looking forward to it!”
Alexandria Taylor
“I am participating in this debate to demonstrate to the delegates why I am the ideal candidate for this 4-year partial term and why I am uniquely qualified to challenge the current Democrat incumbent. For too long, we have neglected judicial races, resulting in a bench that has become increasingly liberal, politicized, and disconnected from fundamental principles. It is time to restore the rule of law and reestablish respect for the Constitution in our courts.”
Moderators
William Wagner
"Good governance under the Rule of Law requires an understanding of, and respect for, our Constitution. This is most certainly true for those who seek to serve on our Supreme Court. It is a privilege to participate in a process that seeks to help the public discern who is best qualified to serve."
Kyle Melinn
“I believe that Republican delegates should have an opportunity to hear candidates for this important office answer the same questions as their opponents. Gathering information is what I do for a living. Anything I can do to help provide more information to people in a fair way, I'll gladly be a part of.”
Erick G. Kaardal
“Presidential elections in the future will be determined in swing states like Michigan. When a close presidential election occurs in Michigan, and ends up in Michigan state courts, it is critical that the people of Michigan have elected justices to the Michigan Supreme Court with judicial integrity to decide these and other important cases.”
Emcees
Janine Iyer:
“It is evident that justices at all levels are crucial to upholding the U.S. and Michigan Constitutions and the rule of law. Ideally, voters should hear for themselves from the candidates that are running for these judicial seats, but that rarely happens. When it comes to which Michigan Supreme Court candidates seeking Republican nomination to be on the November ballot for the partial and full-term seats, Republican Delegates in particular need to hear from these Michigan Supreme Court candidates, so that they may make an informed decision when they vote at the August 24 State Convention. This is precisely why our organizations have partnered to put on this event--so that Delegates and General Election voters can hear these candidates for themselves in a forum that will give them a good understanding of each participating candidate.”
Patrice Johnson:
“People don’t usually have a chance to see judicial candidates side by side in order to compare their ideologies and skillsets. It’s been a huge amount of work, but it seemed like the right thing to do.”
The debate is organized by Pure Integrity Michigan Elections (PIME) and Stand Up Livingston. PIME is Michigan’s leading nonprofit advocating for fair and honest elections.
Comments