Rosenthal v. McLawrence – it’s an easy win for Lynn Rosenthal, which everyone but the dreamers expected. But as Jahra McLawrence points out, leadership involves much more than winning an election.
From McLawrence’s Facebook page:
“I hope that more attorneys will stand up and challenge the status quo. The unsuspecting community is depending on you to protect them from an unfair and unreasonable legal system.”
Truer words have never been said.
As far as Rosenthal is concerned, she’s not out of the woods just yet. Her victory simply poses more questions.
For instance:
1.) Will she face JQC prosecution for refusing drug testing following her DUI arrest, and for making public statements during the campaign which seem to contradict the BAT video?
2.) Will Peter Weinstein allow Rosenthal and other DUI refusnik judges to return to the Criminal Division, and will Mike Satz, Howard Finkelstein, and BACDL put up a fight?
3.) Will the life-lessons inherent to any arrest, universal bad press, and the rigors of being challenged at the polls humble Rosenthal, thereby transforming her into a less controversial judge? Or will the entire experience harden her already rigid outlook on the world of criminal justice? Similarly, what effect, if any, will the embarrassment of having run a haphazard campaign and being psyched out of more than $160,000 in personal funds have on her judicial world view?
Definitely a lot more coming on this one …
Meet Judge Al Milian – good news out of Miami, as Al easily won a spot on the circuit bench. Many remember him as a relentless Broward prosecutor, but he’s spent a lot longer since then defending with equal passion and zeal. On a personal note, we couldn’t be happier. When asked, Al would gladly co-counsel gratis on cases south of the border when deserving individuals with bright futures were facing incredible odds. His local gravitas always got the job done, with one young man he helped us with now a successful engineer with the Chrysler Corporation in Detroit. Al’s simply a great guy, and will make a great judge. Well done!
In Palm Beach – Jessica Ticktin has cleaned incumbent Diana Lewis’ clock. Ticktin benefitted from the massive name recognition of her Dad Peter Ticktin’s heavily advertised eponymous law firm, not to mention Lewis’ reputation for being a little nasty demeanor-wise …
In St. Lucie – incumbent Phil Yacucci is still a judge, despite the now dormant website thetruthaboutyacucci.com. This one got extremely heated, to the point police got involved following a confrontation between challenger and incumbent at the polls. Watch the linked video to see how far this grudge match has gone …
In November – primary winner Rhoda Sokoloff will face off against Dennis Bailey. Sokoloff, like judge Mardi Levey Cohen, may prove that repeated runs and sheer determination often pay off. Wait and see.
Congratulations, Stacey! Stacey Schulman is now a circuit judge, fulfilling a life long dream. She was a fair prosecutor, and is a family friend of the ever-reasonable Susan Lebow, so all indications point to a distinguished career on the bench. On a personal note, judge Schulman sat on the bar grievance committee which disposed of the nonsensical, anti-American, anonymous bar complaints against your humble author, which took courage. Congratulations are also due to Julie Shapiro Harris, who may now be considering a run to replace her current employer at the Clerk’s Office, Howard Forman. The third time may be the charm …
Good for Broward – Ian Richards easily won the primary. He’ll face off against Claudia Robinson in November, with Jonathan Kasen eliminated after a severe trouncing. We like Claudia, but never thought Ian deserved any of this, particularly since he’s a hard worker, and one of the few Blacks on the bench. In any event, Broward voters get the credit, because a qualified minority candidate received the support he deserves …
Giant Killer – John Contini replaces Katie McHugh in the role of David. McHugh faced down damaged political powerhouse Ilene Lieberman to win her seat on the bench, and tonight Contini knocked out incumbent Steve Feren, whose long political career in Broward County has ended in similarly undistinguished style. Broward voters once again get the credit, for seeing behind the curtain. Feren didn’t make many friends during his brief tenure at the courthouse, but he did provide some amusing moments during the campaign, which we’ll be sure to highlight as Chief Judge election season nears …
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Coming Soon – Gisele Pollack v. JQC trial?; Conflict? What conflict?