OK, so it's the Minnesota Supreme Court. But there is some relevance here. Chief Justice Eric Magnuson is stepping down after serving only two years on the bench. This is significant for a couple of reasons.
First, Magnuson was appointed by presidential hopeful (and Mr. Swarmy), Tim Pawlenty. The two of them served as partners in the same law firm before T-Paw decided to turn Minnesota from a purple state to true blue one. Thanks, Timmy!
Clearly, there was a connection between the two of them. But Magnuson has let it be known that he doesn't like how the governor's office has handcuffed the state court system through a series of budget-cutting measures. Might there be a little loved lost? Perhaps.
Second, Magnuson served on the state canvassing board that helped to decide the Franken-Coleman race in 2008. He was the "Conservative" leg of the Con-Dem-Ind trio. Much to the frustration of Michelle Bachmann & Tim Pawlenty devotees, Magnuson came across as a voice of reason during that process. The sort of moderate-conservative POV that we in Minnesota respect ... despite our differences (see former Gov. Arne Carlson and former Sen. Dave Durenberger).
What is not know is the exact reason Magnuson will step down on June 30.
"I have found the position to be both challenging and rewarding. However, for reasons personal to me and my family, I have decided to step down and return to private practice."
No news yet on whether T-Paw will be able to appoint another judge to the (now-heavily-conservative) MN Supreme Court before his term ends in January.
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