Judges Running Scared?

A few facts to note during the 2008 election cycle and the simultaneous debate about ballot summary language for initiative petitions...

The initiative effort to repeal protections on stem cell research in the state of Missouri is run by GOP operative Jeff Roe.

Roe was responsible for the vicious smear campaign against Judge Tom Brown which cost him his seat on the bench in 2006.

Cole County Circuit Judge Patricia Joyce faces re-election to the bench this November.

The Kansas City Star had this to say about Joyce's recent action in connection with a lawsuit filed by the Roe-led anti-stem cell campaign:

...a Missouri circuit judge has accepted the definitions favored by a group that is attempting to ban a scientific procedure known as somatic cell nuclear transfer.

Cole County Judge Patricia Joyce rebuffed Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan by dictating new language to appear on a statewide ballot. But Joyce’s language is biased, incomplete and misleading...

More shameful judicial intimidation, anyone?