This is an argument that only makes sense to people who think politics is a sporting event. If you are against the death penalty, then Nader is the natural choice. If you are against increased military spending, then Nader is the natural choice. If you are for free speech, Nader is the only choice. A statewide ballot referendum asks voters to choose whether they wish to continue electing trial judges or switch to having judges appointed by the governor from a list of nominees submitted by a judicial nominating commission.
Terms are six years for both circuit and county judges.
The governor appoints Florida's seven Supreme Court justices and the judges who sit on the state's five appellate courts. Trial judges are elected unless there is a midterm vacancy, when appointments fill the gap. Two years ago, however, voters changed the state constitution to all the electorate in all 67 counties and the state's 20 judicial circuits decide whether they want their judges elected or appointed. Copyright 1998-2000, Donavan Hall. See Terms and Conditions of Use before copying this material.