Often referred to as the conscience of the Michigan Democratic Party, the Justice Caucus plans to launch an extensive ground campaign to elect the Democratic nominees for the state Supreme Court. They call it the "Supreme Challenge 2012."
Depending on the election year, anywhere between 25%-33% of voters will not finish their ballot, leaving the "non-partisan" section of the ballot blank. For Michigan Supreme Court candidates to have their name on the ballot, however, they must be nominated by a political party--so much for non-partisanship. With Republicans likely to outspend the Democrats in this election (not difficult when you have the Koch Brother Option), ground efforts such as those by the Michigan Justice Caucus will be key to Bridget McCormack's, Shelia Johnson's, and Connie Kelley's success in November.
To sign-up for the "Supreme Challenge 2012" check out this link: http://www.justice4michigan.org/...
And for more information on the Michigan Democratic Party Justice Caucus: http://www.justice4michigan.org/
With over 2,200 members state-wide, I for one am optimistic about the Justice Caucus's initiative. Given the high voter drop-off rates in judicial elections, their wok is critical to informing Democrats that if they vote straight-ticket, they have not finished the job.
There are three seats up for election, and there are seven seats in total on the Michigan Supreme Court. Obviously, three is a large part of seven--especially when Democrats have the potential to swing the court 5-2 in their favor.
Perhaps this election will be a test of grassroots v. big money. Republicans will stand on the shoulders of a few fat-cat donors; Democrats, on the other hand, will win the ground war and grassroots campaign. Ultimately, (I hope) grassroot-efforts such as those by the Justice Caucus will make the difference.