In the 2008 election, the Michigan Democratic State Central Committee ran a number of ads linking Republican incumbent Justice Cliff Taylor to President George W. Bush. Capitalizing on Bush’s dwindling popularity, the ads attacked Justice Taylor. One ad, claiming Justice Taylor fell asleep on the job, was the subject of much attention during the election, with many questioning the veracity of the advertisement. The Republican Party and state Chamber of Commerce also ran a number of attack ads against challenger Diane Hathaway, a Circuit Court judge. The ads claimed Judge Hathaway was a terrorist sympathizer who was weak on crime and lazy. Total TV spending came to more than $3.6 million. Judge Hathaway won the election, marking the first time an incumbent chief justice lost a reelection bid in the court’s history.
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October 14, 2008 – MICOC Taylor Tough on Crime
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In this ad, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce says Chief Justice Cliff Taylor is the right candidate.
October 16, 2008 – Taylor Earn Your Way
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This ad by Chief Justice Cliff Taylor says he has earned the right to serve on Michigan’s Supreme Court.
October 20, 2008 – MIDSCC Taylor George Bush
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This ad shows President George W. Bush giving a speech, telling the audience that Michigan needs more judges like Justice Clifford Taylor. Text at the beginning reads, “George W. Bush & Clifford Taylor, Political soldiers for the rich.”
October 20, 2008 – MIDSCC Taylor Good Soldier
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This ad by the Michigan Democratic State Central Committee calls Justice Clifford Taylor a “good soldier” for Wall Street and insurance companies.
October 21, 2008 – MIDSCC Taylor The Sleeping Judge
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This ad claims Justice Cliff Taylor fell asleep on the bench and should be investigated.
October 22, 2008 – Taylor Works Hard
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This ad claims Justice Cliff Taylor works hard to keep taxes low and run a good court.
October 23, 2008 – Taylor Right to Be Protected
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This ad by Justice Taylor says he is endorsed by M.A.D.D. and several police organizations.
October 24, 2008 – MICOC Hathaway Tough on Predators
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This ad claims Judge Diane Hathaway’s sentencing of sex predators is too short given the nature of their crimes.
October 25, 2008 – Unqualified Hathaway
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This ad claims “top” newspapers and police associations endorse Justice Cliff Taylor over the “unqualified” Judge Diane Hathaway.
October 29, 2008 – Hathaway Taylor Fell Asleep
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This ad by Judge Hathaway claims Justice Taylor fell asleep during trial.
October 29, 2008 – MIDSCC Taylor Wake Up Call
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This ad claims Justice Taylor was voted the worst judge on the Michigan Supreme Court.
October 29, 2008 – MIRP Hathaway Unqualified
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This ad claims Judge Hathaway was light on child predators and a terrorist sympathizer.
October 29, 2008 – Taylor Lies About Chief Justice
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This ad by Justice Taylor says Judge Hathaway’s ads are lies, and that newspapers, police groups, and the NRA endorse Justice Taylor.
October 30, 2008 – MIDSCC Taylor Bush’s Agenda
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This ad ties Justice Taylor to President Bush. It also claims he is anti-women, anti-environment, and pro-business.
October 30, 2008 – MIDSCC Taylor Good Soldier
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This ad asks viewers to call Justice Taylor to “thank him” for making it hard for woman to sue employers when they have been raped at work..