U.S. Supreme Court - Republican Party of Minnesota v. White

Excerpt from Justice Scalia's opinion: "There is an obvious tension between the article of Minnesota's popularly approved Constitution which provides that judges shall be elected, and the Minnesota Supreme Court's announce clause which places most subjects of interest to the voters off limits."

Freedom Forum - High court ruling may take luster off judiciary

Excerpt: "The judiciary, including the Supreme Court, has long clung to the view that judges stand above and apart from the political rough-and-tumble that characterizes the other two branches of government. The fact that Ginsburg’s expression of these views landed her on the losing side suggests the ruling is something of a turning point — the beginning of an era in which judges are less special, and more exposed to the popularizing glare of the First Amendment."

Citizens Commission for the Preservation of an Impartial Judiciary, Final Report and Recommendations (Quie Commission)

Excerpt: “The Commission recommends that the initial selection of judges occur through a merit based selection process and gubernatorial appointment. The Commission further recommends the comprehensive performance evaluation of all judges to promote the self-improvement of judges and provide voters with information so that they can make informed decisions at the polls. Finally, a majority of the Commission recommends that judges be subject to periodic retention elections so that they can be held accountable for their performance in office. The Commission believes that these institutional features will promote and maintain a high quality judiciary accountable to the people and to the rule of law.”