Buying Time 2012: Michigan
For information on Michigan's spending, and all other television spending in state Supreme Court races, click here.
Michigan had three Supreme Court races this year. Seven candidates, including incumbent Justice Stephen Markman (R), vied for two eight-year positions. The top two vote-getters win seats on the Supreme Court. There was also a separate race for a partial-term position that ends Jan. 1, 2015. Three candidates vied for this seat, including incumbent Justice Brian Zahra (R). Justice Zahra was appointed in 2011 to replace Justice Maura Corrigan, who left to lead the Michigan Department of Human Services; this election is to finish her original eight year term. The Court is currently composed of four Republicans and three Democrats, giving this election the potential to change the composition of the Court. (List of candidates here.)
Michigan has seen high levels of spending in Supreme Court elections over the last several election cycles, according to a study of judicial election spending over the last decade. From 2000-2009, the state ranked sixth nationally for candidate fundraising, and ranked third in the nation (after only Ohio and Alabama) in terms of spending on television advertising. Non-candidate groups, including political parties and special interest groups, were particularly active in sponsoring television advertising — including harsh negative attack ads. In 2010, Michigan had the most expensive judicial race in the country. Estimated spending was above $5 million on television advertisements alone.
The general election was held on November 6. In Michigan, the winners of the two eight year term positions were Bridget McCormack and Stephen Markman, and the winner of the partial term ending January 1, 2015 was Brian Zahra. As Michigan was the most expensive race in 2012, a more detailed summary of airings is available here [PDF].
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Leading up to the November 2012 election, the Brennan Center will release real-time reports on television advertising in state supremec ourt elections, presented here at “Buying Time — 2012.” These reports continue the groundbreaking analysis first conducted in 2000 examining the sponsorship, content and costs of televised state supreme court campaign ads.
Click here to return to the Buying Time — 2012 Homepage.
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November 1, 2012- Protect Families
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October 30, 2012- Freed Terrorist
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Ad ad by the Judicial Crisis Netwrok acusing Bridget McCormack of "volunteer[ing] to represent and free suspected terrorists terrorists."
October 26, 2012- Every Election
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A combined ad for Steven Markman and Brian Zahra saying, "We will continue to defend the constitution and protect the rule of law, not special interest."
October 26, 2012- Praised
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An ad by the Michigan Republican Party saying of candidate Shiela Johnson, "A judicial activist with little experience and a favorite of special interests, the same special interests that tried to hijack our constitution."
October 20, 2012- Remember
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Democratic State Central Committee's combined ad for Connie Kelley, Sheila Johnson, and Bridget McCormack saying there are three reasons to remember these three candidates.
October 19, 2012- Hardly Tough on Crime
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An ad sponsored by the Michigan Republican Party against Connie Kelley, Sheila Johnson, and Bridget McCormack saying, "Tough on crime? Hardly."
October 19, 2012- Three Reasons
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An ad sponsored by the Democratic State Central Committee for Connie Kelley, Sheila Johnson, and Bridget McCormack saying, "There are three reasons to remember three candidates for Supreme Court...middle class families...Michigan kids...women."
October 10, 2012- As Michigan Rebuilds
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An ad sponsored by the Michigan Republican Party for Brian Zahra, Steven Markman, and Colleen O'Brien saying, "Keep fighting for Michigan."
September 29, 2012- Insurance Court
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Democratic State Central Committee's combined ad against Brian Zahra, Steven Markman, and Colleen O'Brien saying, "When special interests win, you lose."
September 26, 2012- Protecting Children
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Democratic State Central Committee's combined ad for Connie Kelley, Sheila Johnson, and Bridget McCormack saying they will protect children.
September 4, 2012- Protecting Families (two versions)
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Democratic State Central Committee's combined ad for Connie Kelley, Sheila Johnson, and Bridget McCormack saying they will protect families.
News
The Reliable Source, How Michigan Judicial Candidate Bridget Mary Mccormack Got ‘The West Wing’ Cast for Her Campaign Video, Washington Post Blog, September 20, 2012
