Was it a case where an Ingham County judge tried to quash Republicans shenanigans over at the state Capitol?
Or was it a situation where an activist judge, once again, overreached his authority and meddled in political matters in which he had no business?
It likely depends on which side you butter your political bread.
Ingham County Judge Clinton Canady III found himself in the crosshairs Monday after issuing a temporary restraining order that hinders the ability of House Republicans to not accepting Democratic written motions for roll call votes for immediate effect on bills, Gongwer News reported.
Democrats wanted roll call votes on at least three bills, including one that barred university graduate student research assistants from forming unions, partly as a means to hold individual Republican accountable for their votes. Republicans contended they could summarily dismiss these motions for roll call votes under existing House rules. However, the Constitution requires either chamber to record a roll call vote if more than one-fifth of the members, 22 in the House, request it.
Democrats took the matter to court, and Canady sided with the Dems on the issue.
Republicans, who plan to appeal, were not happy.
"Today's ruling is an unfortunate overreach by the circuit court to interject itself into the operations of the Michigan House of Representatives and attempt to circumvent the constitutional authority of the state Legislature by overturning the actions of a co-equal branch of government that was acting constitutionally," the caucus said in a statement. "House Democrats have clearly shown they are interested in fighting only for the wishes of union bosses, but House Republicans will continue with a strong reform agenda. Immediate effect was not an issue for House Democrats until we attempted to change the status quo on behalf of Michigan's hardworking taxpayers who were tired of excuses and deficit spending schemes."
For now, Dems are enjoying their victory.
"I appreciate the diligence of the court in making a timely ruling granting our request for a preliminary injunction," House Minority Leader Richard Hammel, said in a statement. "I look forward to a final decision affirming our claims protecting the Michigan Constitution and protecting against - as the judge said - irreparable harm to the public.”
