Election Hangover: The Real Legacy of Bush v. Gore

I have written this jurisprudence essay for Slate. It begins:

What's the central legacy of Bush v. Gore, which has its 10th anniversary next Sunday? Republicans see the Supreme Court stopping a lawless recount, while Democrats see a lawless court stopping a legitimate recount. Ten years later, commentators like Jeffrey Toobin protest that Bush v. Gore brought dishonor on the Court. But the Supreme Court's public legitimacy has not suffered.

The real lesson of the Florida fiasco (not merely Bush v. Gore) is about something else: the undermining of the public's faith in the fairness of American elections. This has triggered an ongoing war over their administration.

"Driehaus sues anti-abortion group"

The election is over but the controversy lives on.

Sad News: "Political Icon Joe Cerrell Dies"

The Sacramento Bee has this update. My condolences to Joe's family and friends.

Hayward on Sullivan on CU

Here.

"Emmer to withdraw some ballot challenges"

The beginning of the end in Minnesota?

UPDATE: Ned Foley has written a Moritz comment which asks: "What exactly is reconciliation and why is Emmer presently unsatisfied?"

A Recall of Omaha's Mayor?

Could be part of a trend.

"Sunlight's Political Action Committee (PAC) Name Generator"

Via Boing Boing comes Sunlight's Political Action Committee (PAC) Name Generator.

"After Citizens United, Political and Legal Strategies Still Evolving"

WNYC reports.

"Investors Seek More Disclosure by US Chamber of Commerce Members: Secrecy of Trade Groups' Political Spending at Issue"

See here.

"Instant-runoff voting moves to bigger stages in 2010 election"

That's the lead story in this week's Electionline Weekly. For more recent IRV stories and commentary, see here and here.

"Kinston Voting-Rights Case Heads to Federal Court"

Hans von Spakovksy writes.

-- 
Rick Hasen
William H. Hannon Distinguished Professor of Law
Loyola Law School
919 Albany Street
Los Angeles, CA  90015-1211
(213)736-1466
(213)380-3769 - fax
rick.hasen@lls.edu
http://www.lls.edu/academics/faculty/hasen.html
http://electionlawblog.org