Ohio Chamber Endorses Three For Ohio Supreme Court

COLUMBUS, OH – With encouraging signs that the current Ohio Supreme Court is leaving behind the judicial activism that defined the Court for the past decade and made Ohio less competitive in its legal climate, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s political action committee (OCCPaC) today announced its endorsements in this year’s elections for the state’s highest court.
OCCPaC endorsed the re-election of Chief Justice Thomas Moyer and the election of appointed Justice Terrence O’Donnell and Judge Judith Lanzinger.

“We’re finally beginning to see and feel the benefits of having a Court that respects the separation of powers and isn’t interested in legislating from the bench,” said Ohio Chamber President & CEO Andrew E. Doehrel. “The elections of these three outstanding judges will secure for all Ohioans a fair and balanced Supreme Court – as well as one that doesn’t ‘court’ disaster for our rebounding economy.”

Chief Justice Moyer, seeking his fourth term on the Supreme Court, has been a strong advocate for preserving the Court’s integrity and is known for his fairness. In the latest Ohio Chamber Political and Candidate Education (P.a.C.E.) “Business Evaluation of the Ohio Supreme Court” – a 10-year review of the Court’s decisions that had the greatest impact on Ohio’s business climate – he received a 57% overall score, underscoring his evenhanded approach.

“The Chief Justice takes seriously the impact the Court’s decisions have on Ohio’s employers and employees, a fact he has demonstrated admirably by visiting numerous workplaces across the state to gain valuable personal insight,” Doehrel said. “His honesty and impartiality are unquestionable and we know he isn’t swayed by politics.”

Justice Terrence O’Donnell says his election is “all about judicial restraint,” and the Ohio Chamber’s endorsement is based in large measure on his ardent advocacy of this judicial philosophy.

“Justice O’Donnell’s approach is a refreshing change from what we’ve witnessed in recent years,” Doehrel said. “He sticks to the law and the facts of each case, and doesn’t go searching around for ways to justify any preconceived notions about what the outcome should be.”

Judge Lanzinger’s endorsement stems from her over nearly 19 years experience at all levels of the judiciary and from her strong commitment to not using her position for pursuing her own – or any other – political agenda.

“We have no doubt that Judge Lanzinger respects the separation of powers and knows her job is to apply the law fairly, not act as a legislator wearing a black robe,” Doehrel said. “We’re pleased to add our name to the diverse list of individuals and organizations that recognize she is exactly the kind of justice we need on the Supreme Court.”

OCCPaC did not recommend an endorsement in the year’s other Supreme Court campaign, in which Justice Paul Pfeifer is running unopposed. It seems reasonable to expect the scales of justice to tip half the time in favor of job creation and economic expansion. However, in our latest Business Evaluation, Justice Pfeifer scores just 36%.

This November, for the first time in the history of the state, Ohioans will elect a majority of the Court at one time. The Ohio Chamber plans to continue its efforts to educate Ohioans about the role of the Supreme Court and the importance of the judiciary.

“In the past two election cycles, voters have awakened to the fact that Supreme Court decisions have a very real impact on their lives and on our state’s economy,” said Doehrel. “It’s clear they’re beginning to understand that having a fair and balanced Court is critical to our efforts to keep companies here and attract new employers and jobs to Ohio.”

Founded in 1893, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce is Ohio's largest statewide business advocacy group. The Chamber works to promote and protect the interests of its members – large and small – while building a more favorable Ohio business climate.