Litigation

Campaign Ad Likens US Judge and Terrorists

By Peter Hardin

In one of the year’s harshest attack ads, a sitting Alabama justice likens federal Judge Virginia Phillips, who struck down the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, to the Al-Qaida terror group.

Republican Justice Tom Parker (photo at right) protests that “liberal activists like Judge Phillips are overturning marriage laws, raising taxes, violating property rights, and now they are attacking our very national security.” Justice Parker continues:

?Most people believe al-Qaida is one of America?s biggest security threats. I think it?s time to add liberal activist judges like Judge Phillips to that list.?

An Anniston Star editorial says that “Of all the filthy campaign ads we?ve seen and heard over the last few weeks of the 2010 campaign, this one is the worst.” It condemns Justice Parker, saying his “foul comparison of a federal judge to terrorists is outside the bounds of fair campaigning, good taste and thoughtful judicial behavior.” The editorial adds:

“Justice Tom Parker should be ashamed. The rest of his fellow Supreme Court justices, as well as the state, should be embarrassed.”

To learn more about this year’s elections in Alabama, turn to Gavel Grab and Justice at Stake’s Alabama news page.

Full post as published by The Gavel on October 28, 2010 (boomark / email).