Jennifer Helmer, who previously served as our Michigan Republican deputy chair, recently shared her thoughts about upcoming vacancies in the Michigan Supreme Court.

"In 2010, conservatives and the GOP recaptured control of the seven justice Michigan Supreme Court, by reelecting Justice Robert Young, and electing Justice Mary Beth Kelly, who took over the seat previously held by Alton Davis.  Davis had been appointed by former Governor Granholm in August 2010.  The GOP had lost control of the Court after the 2008 elections, but now has a 4-3 majority.

In 2012, control of the Court will again be at stake.  Three seats will be up for grabs: that of veteran conservative Justice Stephen Markman; the seat of newly appointed conservative Justice Brian Zahra; and a seat currently held by liberal Marilyn Kelly, who is ineligible to seek reelection due to age limitations.  If conservatives are able to win all three seats, they will take a 5-2 majority on the Court.  Continued conservative control is necessary to prevent judicial activists from blocking necessary conservative reforms and policies put forward by Governor Snyder, the GOP controlled House and Senate, and Republican Attorney General Bill Schuette and Republican Secretary of State Ruth Johnson.

It is imperative we work together with our networks so that Justice Markman, Justice Zahra and our next nominee become names voters identify and vote for.  I ask each of you start talking about the Supreme Court, these justices and the importance of their office to our democracy.  All of our officeholders need a Rule of Law court to carry out their statutorily assigned duties and to act as conservative and fiscally responsible elected officials."