So, in recent cycles
the partisan veil
has really been lifted
in these races.
How do election experts
like yourself
regard that?
As good or bad?
We're in a really strange era
in the state
Supreme Court elections
because they are
taking on this
overtly partisan tone.
The two political parties
have given money directly
to the candidates.
The candidates have drawn on
political party resources
and networks
throughout this campaign.
Yet they want
to maintain a sense
that they will be an
independent judge.
We saw them
accusing the other of being
the activist judge.
So it's this weird
murky middle ground right now
where the parties are
deeply involved.
The justices often accept
the support
of the political parties
but they also want
to be clear that
they will have some
sense of independence.