2016 Florida Supreme Court
The Importance of Judicial Elections
Activist Judges in America have accomplished in the courts what the House and Senate couldn’t accomplish legislatively. They’ve twisted and changed the constitution to create case law to “justify” removing prayer, the Bible, and the Ten Commandments from public classrooms and nearly every area of public life. They’ve created a right to privacy that first allowed married couples to purchase contraception. This new right was then extended to unmarried couples and then further extended to allow a woman the “right” to pay an abortionist to murder her preborn child. This right was later extended to homosexuals convicted of sodomy. One can only wonder what will be the next step.
Our founding fathers feared that the courts would one day rule our country and strip our freedoms from us. As Thomas Jefferson noted, “Our judges are as honest as other men, and not more so. They have — with others — the same passions for party, for power, and the privilege of their corps. . . . And their power the more dangerous as they are in office for life and not responsible — as the other functionaries are — to the elective control.”
In the Federal Court system, we have no way of reigning in the judiciary short of impeachment, and impeachment is rare. The last politician who attempted to reign in the federal judiciary was forced to resign after facing trumped up charges.
In Florida, however, Justices come up for retention votes after originally being appointed by the Governor. Sadly, most Floridians pay little attention to the judges up for retention, and little knowledge is available on the judicial philosophy of judges and how they’ve ruled on previous cases. Consequently, judges normally are retained with 65 – 75% of the vote.
This must stop! We are in the process of developing a network of attorneys statewide to be constitutional watchdogs in the courts by reporting on how the judges rule on various issues before them, and we the people need to educate ourselves and cast out the judges who view our constitution as “a mere thing of wax in the hands of the judiciary, which they may twist and shape into any form they please.” (Jefferson). For more on the damage judges have wrought in our country, watch my sermon entitled Judicial Activism: http://covenanttabernacle.com/2010/10/17/sermon-10172010-judicial-activism-tyranny-legislating-from-the-bench.
Below are my recommendations for the FL Supreme Court and 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th District Court of Appeals. Following my recommendations, I will explain the rationale behind my recommendations on the Supreme Court justices. Please note that this information is partisan. As such, distributing this information in churches would violate the Johnson Amendment to the IRS 501c3 code. Anyone considering passing partisan voter guides in church, should contact the Alliance Defending Freedom prior to doing so at https://www.adflegal.org.
View other voter guides here: https://www.flvotesvalues.com/.
Florida Supreme Court Justices Up for Retention
Justice Charles T. Canady, Vote Yes to Retain
Justice Jorge Labarga, Vote No to Not Retain
Justice Ricky L. Polston, Vote Yes to Retain
First District Court of Appeal
Justice Ross L. Bilbrey, Vote Yes to Retain
Justice Susan Kelsey, Vote Yes to Retain
Justice Lori S. Rowe,Vote Yes to Retain
Justice Kent Wetherell, Vote Yes to Retain
Justice Thomas D. “Bo” Winokur, Vote Yes to Retain
Justice Jim Wolf, Vote No to Not Retain
Second District Court of Appeal
Justice John L. Badalamenti, Vote No to Not Retain
Justice Marva L. Crenshaw, Vote No to Not Retain
Justice Patricia Kelly, Vote No to Not Retain
Justice Nelly N. Khouzam, Vote No to Not Retain
Justice Matthew C. Lucas, Vote Yes to Retain
Justice Robert Morris, Vote No to Not Retain
Justice Stevan T. Northcutt, Vote No to Not Retain
Justice Samuel Salario, Vote Yes to Retain
Justice Craig Villanti, Vote No to Not Retain
Justice Douglas A. Wallace, Vote No to Not Retain
Third District Court of Appeal
Justice Edwin A. Scales, III, Vote Yes to Retain
Justice Linda Ann Wells, Vote No to Not Retain
Fourth District Court of Appeal
Justice Cory J. Ciklin, Vote No to Not Retain
Justice Dorian K. Damoorgian, Vote Yes to Retain
Justice Jonathan D. Gerber, Vote Yes to Retain
Justice Robert M. Gross, Vote No to Not Retain
Justice Spencer Levine, Vote Yes to Retain
Justice Melanie G. May, Vote No to Not Retain
Fifth District Court of Appeal
Justice Jay Cohen, Vote No to Not Retain
Justice James A. Edwards, Vote No to Not Retain
Justice Brian D. Lambert, Vote No to Not Retain
Justice Vincent G Torpy, Vote No to Not Retain
Florida Supreme Court Justices Up for Retention Rationale
Justice Charles T. Canady, Vote Yes to Retain
Appointed by: Governor Charlie Crist.
Justice Canady is a solid conservative who has served as a US Congressman and an attorney for Florida Governor Jeb Bush. As a Congressman, Canady voted for prolife legislation, voted to ban homosexual marriage, to limit welfare to two years and cut welfare spending, and to give poor kids Opportunity Scholarships to attend private schools. Canady served as one of the prosecuting attorney’s in President Bill Clinton’s Impeachment trial. As a lawyer for Governor Jeb Bush, Canady defended Opportunity Scholarships against legal challenges. Canady serves on the board of a home for unwed mothers. Canady’s nomination received praise from conservatives and the presidents of the Cuban American Bar Association and the Florida Chamber of Commerce but drew criticism from the ACLU director. While being sworn in, Canady asked, “For those of you who pray, I ask that you pray that I will always judge with wisdom and integrity as a faithful servant of the Lord.”
Canady wrote the dissenting opinion on the 2010 FL Proposed Constitutional Amendment 9, arguing that the court should have allowed the amendment to stay on the ballot. Amendment 9 would have given Floridians the right to decide whether to participate in the Federal health care system or not.
Justice Charles T. Canady, Vote Yes to Retain
Justice Jorge Labarga, Vote No to Not Retain
Appointed by: Governor Charlie Crist.
In 2000, Justice Jorge Labarga played a role in the hanging chad case in Palm Beach County ruling that election officials “could not necessarily disregard irregular chads that had not been fully punched out on ballot cards.” (www.nydailynews.com)
In 2008, Labarga made threatening comments about an attorney. “When you pick a fight with a judge, ultimately, you are gonna lose. Not today, but five years from now, 10 years from now, six years from now. That judge is going to remember you, always, always,” Labarga said.
“And, you know, when you do — there is an old saying that if you go after a judge, you better kill him. Because, like I said, it’s true.” (judicialtransperancynow.blogspot.com)
Labarga also was one of five justices to vote to take 2010 FL Proposed Constitutional Amendment 9 off of the ballot. Amendment 9 would have given Floridians the right to decide whether to participate in the Federal health care system or not. (HealthCareNewsFlorida.org)
Justice Jorge Labarga, Vote No to Not Retain
Justice Ricky L. Polston, Vote Yes to Retain
Appointed by: Governor Charlie Crist.
Justice Ricky L. Polston is a solid conservative. Prior to becoming a Justice, he defended the state’s “Choose Life” license plate in court. The Choose Life license plate allows owners of automobiles to pay an additional amount with their tag registration fee that goes to mothers who choose to give their baby up for adoption. As an appellant court judge, Polston wrote a dissenting opinion in favor of opportunity scholarships (vouchers). Polston has four biological children and has adopted six children from Florida’s foster care system.
Polston joined Canady in a dissenting opinion where Canady argued that the court should have allowed 2010 FL Proposed Constitutional Amendment 9 to stay on the ballot. Amendment 9 would have given Floridians the right to decide whether to participate in the Federal health care system or not.
Justice Ricky L. Polston, Vote Yes to Retain
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I think a pastor that is involved in giving political views based on personal religious beliefs because they want everyone to believe in their god should not be involved. Keep politics and religion separate. Seems in the US we say that but what it really means for people like Bryan Longworth is that keep politics separate for all the other religions except for christianity. We want religious freedom, only if you are christian.
Author
Does religious freedom mean freedom of religion or freedom from religion. Apparently, you want freedom from religion.
The US Constitution doesn’t prohibit Christians from voting according to biblical values nor does it prohibit pastors from sharing biblical views on elections. Are you aware that at the founding of the country it was common for pastors to preach a 3 hour sermon on election day urging their parishioners to vote according to biblical values. Are you aware that the pastors played such a predominate role in the American Revolution that the British called them the black regiment and regularly burned churches to the ground because the pastors were a driving force for freedom.
I suggest you educate yourself on the role Christianity played in the founding of our nation before you try to silence the influence of the Bible.
Awesome points, thank you for getting it said!
Hello, Christians are also responsible for pretty much my ancestors and I having to fight for all of our rights (still) so please take a step back and realize religion should not be in politics at all. Women should have the right to chose what happens with their body, all should have access to birth control and comprehensive sex Ed. The lgbt+ community should have the same rights as everyone else. Racism needs to end because black lives (and poc lives) matter.
So please keep your bigoted, anti-God views out of the polls. I swear the most religious “Christians” are the ones preaching against the bible. God loves everyone, no matter their differences.
Author
Abortion doesn’t kill a woman’s body, most of the time at least. Abortion kills a woman’s preborn baby girl or boy. Don’t use twisted logic to justify murder!
Not me. I think we have opinions too aND nothing wrong with a pastor guiding his flock. This is an awesome post as I cannot stand researching these judges. I am sick,to death of judicial activists and ready to send them on their way.
That’s the silliest, most illogical thing I have read all month, Robert.. America is a Christian nation, founded on Christian values. I agree with the Pastor. You really need to get educated on the positive history that Christianity brought to the U.S. – The anti-slavery movement was the “religious right” of the 18th and 19th century. You might want to read the first Thanksgiving proclamation; written by the same people who wrote and passed teh first amendment. Have further question? read the Northwest Ordinance – last passage. May I respectfully ask you to ignore your public education and start with Hillsdale college online free courses and michael Medved history tapes to start.
Thank you….
Our country was founded on Judaeo Christian values and contrary to people who want to rewrite our Constitution – it still is. Others have replied with better examples about our country’s Christian values. Separation of church and state is not Constitutional Law….the law is freedom “of” religion….but our country should not be run by a mishmash of values that may or may not serve the God who created all things.
I’m actually glad I stumbled across this page and the opinions listed on it. I am filling out my ballot and wanted to be as informed as I could be on these Judicial votes…. I had already researched and filled in the Supreme Court section appropriately, before I got here. When I arrived on this page I realized I had done the exact opposite of what this guy recommended.. So that will make the rest easy! Especially after reading his reasoning for the “yes” or “no” votes. ….. IMO (and in the founding father’s opinion) Religious beliefs have NO place in our laws!!! If you are against abortion, gay marriage, contraception…. that’s fine, you have a right to not agree, that’s your personally held belief and you don’t have to have an abortion, get gay married or use contraceptives! SO, don’t think for one minute that means you get to force those beliefs on others! Separation of church and state is VERY important! If we start (and the line has been blurred waaaay to much already) basing law and judicial decisions on one particular religion and that particular religion’s interpretation of a 2000yr old book, over all other religions (and their completely different interpretation of often the SAME book), then we are/will be no better then those parts of the world that implement “religious law”…
I have No issue with people personally living their lives according to their own personal religious beliefs…. No one should have a problem with that, regardless of the religion! As long as they remember they are their own, “personal beliefs” and not everyone should be forced to do the same.. I do take issue with those who would look to pass laws based on their personal religious beliefs, those who look to force those beliefs on everyone through law of the land. I don’t want anyone to be forced to live their life according to my personal beliefs and I should not and will not be forced to live my life by anyone else’s. So if any of the above justices would look to implement/interpret law, based on what a religion says… I would vote them out in a heart beat!
Author
With abortion, aren’t you forcing your belief on the baby girls and boys who are literally being ripped limb from limb? I will not stand by and allow you to force your beliefs on preborn children!
According to Genesis 2:7, life begins with the first breath. Why are you insistent on twisting other Bible verses to fit your politically driven agenda? And I must say thank you also! Your list of where to vote No and Yes has come in very handy; I will be voting the OPPOSITE of your recommendations and directing several friends to this page to do the same. Cheers!
Author
Certainly, this was true for Adam and Eve, but every other human has been created by the union of a sperm and an egg. Certainly, you know this, unless you slept through eighth grade biology.
The Bible is also clear that human life begins at the moment of fertilization. It is because we are created in God’s image that God instituted the death penalty in Genesis 9 to protect innocent human life. Jeremiah was called to be a prophet while in his mother’s womb, and King David said that he was a sinner from conception. You really should read all of the Bible and develop a biblical worldview rather than twisting scripture to justify the murder of innocent preborn baby girls and boys.
Robert, I also see comments telling you we are “a Christian nation”….. Our country was NOT founded on religion!! All you have to do is look back to the founding fathers… or actually read the constitution. Because if you think we are founded on a religion , you’ve never read it… Yes, we ARE in fact a nation with the largest Christian population, NOT a “Christian nation”…. Big difference!
America, Is the first secular country. The first country at formation, that didn’t have one religion over many as “THE” religion. Not wed to any specific religion. Free to practice or not to practice any religion you choose. The first!! The founding fathers envisioned and started a country where we would guide ourselves, rule ourselves.. the beauty of democracy.. as outlined in our constitution. Here we are about 240yrs later and religion is now starting to take precedence over law of the land, albeit little by little. The Hobby Lobby decision by our Supreme Court a few years back says, that ‘if there is a law that conflicts with your religious beliefs, you are exempt from said law’. While it’s true that there has always been a similar rule in place.. it used to include one key word…. “substantial”.. a substantial conflict. Not just anything that makes you feel “icky”. The word substantial is gone!! Leaving just “a conflict”….. If you think that it isn’t a big deal.. just wait. The fundamentalist church of Jesus Christ started fighting a legal battle in 2012, about how the church was closing down it’s schools to have groups of young children pick pecans on private ranches for up to 8 hours a day instead of attending classes. You know, free child labor. The church cited the Hobby Lobby decision to disobey court ordered subpoenas,.. Virgil Steed, the FLDS leader, refused to submit to subpoenas because naming church leaders involved, would violate his religious freedoms.. doing so he said, “was against his religion”….. conveniently so. The court had to agree, because of their Hobby Lobby decision. !!!! It presented “a conflict” … and lucky for him that pesky word “substantial” was gone… Talk about slippery slopes…. stay tuned, because this is just the start.
I believe Thomas Jefferson put it best when he wrote in a letter to Virginia Baptists in 1808….”Because religious beliefs, and NON-belief, is such an important part of every person’s life, freedom of religion affects every individual. Religious institutions that use government power in support of themselves and FORCE their views on persons of OTHER faiths, or of NO faith, undermine ALL of our CIVIL RIGHTS.”
Again, Yes, we are a nation with a Large population of Christians (who among themselves have many, many different interpretations of the same book by the way) … We are also a nation of Jews, Mormons, Muslims, Agnostics, Atheists, etc. etc. etc. So many different religions and those without any religion! No religion is held above another in America! That’s just one reason of many that we are such a great country!!!!
Author
Really? Do you know that half of the signers of the Declaration of Independence had attended Bible College? Do you know that the constitution is based largely on John Lock’s Treatises on Government which had over 2,000 Bible references? You have much to learn.
We need to make sure that these people stop voting themselves into office, and let the people decide. most of the judges that have ruled in Florida for many years, need to be removed. we need people in there that care about their country, and stop doing unfair, behind the door dealings !!and scrap the right to work law !!!
Author
It’s important to remove bad judges but keep good judges.
the whole country, especially the government jobs, should all be “right to work”. the union states are where all the jobs are fleeing and where industry has been wrecked. why should i first be forced to join some union run by legbreaking communists like trumpka that funnel all union dues (after pocketing enough to fatten themselves) to lefty socialist politicians in order to work for my own government? who are the capitalist exploiters these government unions are organizing against, the taxpayers? please point out a state that exercises fiscal restraint that is controlled by unions. unions are the biggest reason why we have our current president who has weaponized every federal department against liberty minded americans who he claims are “bitterly clinging to their guns and bibles”, and why he is probably going to be followed by hillary, who will be worse.
This site is great for telling me who to vote. Just have to swap all your recommendations.
Author
You are certainly welcome to vote the opposite way if you choose to do so, but don’t blame anyone but yourself when those judges/candidates violate your constitutional rights!
LOL, same sentiments Harambe.
Thank you pastor. I will cancel out harambe’s vote. That’s why this country is amazing. Among other things, I’m voting pro 2nd amendment (the amendment that makes all the others possible) and am voting pro-child (for a child’s right to LIVE….not a woman’s right to end that life).
Author
Thank you!
Thank you for the information. It was a great help. So much information is difficult to acquire even if you want to be informed.
Author
You’re welcome Wendy. Please share this with your friends.
Thank you dear Pastor. I hate trying to research these judges, it is not easy. I am excited that you posted this and sharing with others. KEEP up the good work. We need to stand up for what we believe.
Amd the separation of state and religion was not to silence us, it was intended for our protection. DIDN’T mean be still and watch others destroy the country
Author
Amen! Thank you for sharing with others. Please continue to do so.
Please elaborate on Judge Rowe
Author
I used the recommendation of the United Christian’s of FL. They are still recommending a no vote on Rowe: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1533255333357610&set=gm.1403826439635125&type=3&theater. Let me know if you have information that is pertinent to retaining or not retaining Rowe.
Author
After consulting with Christian attorney’s, I have changed my recommendation on Judge Rowe to vote yes to retain. Thank you for your input.
This is a very helpful voter guide. Your right, to many people vote without care or understanding on how judges effect them and how they can either be used to defend God’s law or defy God’s law. Please keep this up. I will share this with friends.
Author
Thank you for sharing Marshall. Please continue to share.
Thank you Pastor Longworth for helping my wife and me decide how to vote. As you say, so many of these judges have restricted my freedoms. They tried to take away my freedom to deny people the right to buy contraceptives. They tried to take away my freedom to force non-Christians in public schools adhere to Old Testament doctrines. They tried to take away my freedom to force others to pray to my God, not theirs. They tried to take away my freedom to take away a woman’s right to choose – obviously I know better than they do. They tried to take away my freedom to be prejudice toward homosexuals and my freedom to deny them the same basic rights that I have. I’ll bet next they try to take away my freedom to allow terminally ill patients relief from their chronic pain through medical marijuana. They might even deny me the freedom to allow any terrorist or wacko the right to assault rifles so they can exercise THEIR freedom to shoot a lot of people! Like I said, thank you for helping me to decide how to vote – the EXACT OPPOSITE OF WHAT YOU RECOMMEND.
Author
It’s amazing that you would want to use your freedom to force so many people to do things they don’t want to do.
Thank you pastor for this guide. We used it when we voted early; especially the recommendations on the judges!
Author
You’re welcome. Please share with your friends.
Thank you so much for this guide! I was only going to vote for the President and Senator of Florida but with your list, I was able to see who all the homophobic, religious bigots endorse and I voted the OPPOSITE of every one of your recommendations! Such beautiful justice!
you left out misogynist, racist, capitalist, omnivore, islamaphobe, this-aphobe, that-ist, and a few other cliches to stereotype yourself as a moonbat.
Thank you for your research! I have been searching for info on the Justice & judges values. Great help! In GOD we trust.
Author
You’re welcome. Please share with others.
Pastor,
I wonder why you are saying yes to Northcutt and Wallace in the Second District Court of Appeals — according to a pro-life analysis I read of these judges:
In 2012, both Northcutt and Wallace ruled that a 17-year-old teen could receive an abortion without her mother being notified. We recommend a “No” vote.
Can you research that and update your list if that is correct?
Thank you,
Kathy L.
Homeschool mom
Author
Where did you see this information? I would certainly be willing to change my recommendations if they are incorrect.
Hi Pastor,
This is what I read in the Pinellas County Right to Life Newsletter:
JUDICIAL RETENTIONS
Canady= YES Justice of the Supreme Court, Charles T. Canady. While a United States Representative, Charles T. Canady wrote and was the chief sponsor of the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act which was successfully passed when George Bush became president. This man is the best judge in the court system. He deserves a “Yes.”
Labarga= NO Justice of the Supreme Court, Jorge Labarga. In April, Jorge Labarga was one of five justices who entered an order blocking the enforcement of Florida’s new law requiring a waiting period of 24 hours before a woman could receive an abortion. Thus, Justice Labarga should receive a “No” vote.
Polston= YES Justice of the Supreme Court, Ricky L. Polston. As a private attorney, he represented the State of Florida in defending the “Choose Life” license plates approved by the legislature in 1999. The revenue from the Choose Life plates funds crisis pregnancy centers throughout the state. Upon Justice Polston’s appointment, Planned Parenthood of Florida issued a press release deploring it. What more need be said? There is, however, something more, and that is that Justice Polston and his wife adopted six children from foster care, in addition to their four natural children. Polston, along with Justice Canady, was one of the two dissenters against blocking the enforcement of Florida’s 24-Hour Law. He should get a “Yes.”
Badalamanti = YES District Court of Appeals, Judge John Badalamanti. Judge Badalamanti was appointed to the 2 District Court of Appeals in 2015 by pro-life 6Governor Rick Scott. He has not yet, to our knowledge, written an opinion on the life issues. However, in deference to Governor Scott’s judgment, we think that a hopeful “Yes” retention vote would be appropriate.
Crenshaw = ??? Judge Marva Crenshaw. We have not been able to locate a case in which this judge rendered an opinion on either the abortion, euthanasia, or family issues.
Kelly = YES While we have discovered no case involving the life issues in which Judge Patricia J. Kelly has been involved, she was appointed by Governor Bush and mentions in her biography that she is a member of the Catholic Lawyers Guild. We thus favor a “Yes” retention vote.
Khouzam = ??? Judge Nelly Khouzam. We have not been able to locate a case in which this judge rendered an opinion on either the abortion, euthanasia, or family issues.
Lucas = YES Judge Matthew Lucas. A hopeful “Yes.” Judge Lucas was appointed by pro-life Governor Rick Scott. Hopefully, when the proper case comes before him, he will rule in a pro-life way.
Morris = ???Judge Robert Morris. We have not been able to locate a case in which this judge rendered an opinion on either the abortion, euthanasia, or family issues.
Northcutt = NO In 2012, Judge Stevan Northcutt ruled that a 17-year-old teen could receive an abortion without her mother being notified. We recommend a “No” vote.
Salario= YES Judge Samuel Salario. A hopeful “Yes.” Judge Salario was appointed by pro-life Governor Rick Scott. Hopefully, when the proper case comes before him, he will rule in a pro-life way.
Villanti = YES Judge Craig C. Villanti was an appointee of pro-life Governor Jeb Bush, and we believe that he is prolife. A “Yes” for him.
Wallace = NO In 2012, Judge Douglas Wallace ruled that a 17-year-old teen could receive an abortion without her mother being notified. We recommend a “No” vote
Crenshaw should be a NO vote if you’re Pro-Life.
Author
Do you have any documentation to back up your position on Justice Crenshaw?
Author
Thank you for the information. Based on this information and confirming documentation I found, I have changed my recommendation for Stevan T. Northcutt and Douglas A. Wallace to Vote No to Not Retain.
Greetings. What is the rationale behind the “no” retention recommendation with respect to Justice Lori S. Rowe?
Author
I used the recommendation of the United Christian’s of FL. They are still recommending a no vote on Rowe: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1533255333357610&set=gm.1403826439635125&type=3&theater. Let me know if you have information that is pertinent to retaining or not retaining Rowe.
Author
After consulting with Christian attorney’s, I have changed my recommendation on Judge Rowe to vote yes to retain. Thank you for your input.
This was of great help, thank you for posting, I found it at the last minute and realized I may have voted incorrectly by just using an internet search and looking at “answers.com” because their answers were misleading. in Pa we had pro-life guides available at election time produced by Christian Coalition or others, cannot seem to find such guides here in Florida.
Author
We do have links to voter guides for state and federal elections, and in five counties, we have voter guides for local elections. We are actively seeking more volunteers to help produce local voter guides in all 67 counties. It only takes about 30 hours to produce a local voter guide. If you would like to be a part of a team that produces a local voter guide in your area, let us know by filling out the form at: http://www.flvotesvalues.com/voter-guides/local-voter-guided-unavailable/.
Hmm.. I thought this was something I could go by but after realizing you’re a heretic I dont think I can and now I’m even more confused. You’re insights are nothing more than a strange way to look at things; none of it made sense nor did you explain why I shouldnt vote to keep Cohen in.
Voting against MEDICAL marijuana would be a terrible thing since it would help patients tremendously. There’s a huge difference in allowing medical marijuana for people who have major medical issues and allowing medical marijuana for people who just want it because they have depression, let alone for recreational use. If you need any other reasons it SHOULD be allowed, look at things like common medication like Oxycodone which is Opiate based and a Narcotic. I was only 16 years old when they gave me Codene. I dont know what I would have done without it after ligament reconstruction. I also cant recall most of that month because the drug was so strong. Medical marijuana is NOTHING compared to medical Opiates in strength and it is necessary for helping to treat patients; think seizures. It’s also not habit forming and has a much lower risk of over dosing. It’s helps people with MS with terribly painful muscle spasms. It’s used for AIDS and chemo patients for nausea. It helps Epilepsy patients, even those who are just children since the medicine can be made in mild and gentle form. It even helps with Alzheimer disease, in stalling the terrible disease and helping to retain memories. It helps with Bi Polar disorder, concussions, brain swelling, the possibilities are endless. God didnt give it to us for nothing.
Author
Do you not believe that the current state law that does already allow non-euphoric medical marijuana in certain cases to be sufficient?
whether or not you agree with someone doing something in the privacy of his/her home, if you sincerely claim to stand for liberty, then be consistent. i am not your daddy. you are not my mommy. you can advise me and i can advise you, but police power is another story. if you are saying that people should not be able to access medication prescribed by a doctor that literally can come from any back yard in america, or WORSE destabilize countries ruled by bloodthirsty narcotraffickers that create hell of earth satisfying american demand, then what are you saying we should do to the people who break your laws criminalizing it? should we kick in their doors and shoot their pets? should we jail them? there isn’t one person in america who can’t access marijuana right now within 15 minutes, even if they wouldn’t have a clue where to start looking for it. al capone loved prohibition, which stopped NOBODY from drinking alcohol, but created powerful crime syndicates. the vast majority of drugs by tonnage crossing the southern border is marijuana. if you ask me whether or not you should abuse any substances, including perscription or over the counter meds or other intoxicants, i would advise no. the question is, what are the consequences of criminalizing something that you cannot prevent? the road to hell is paved with good intentions. if in the end you create more suffering and death and terror in order to prevent what YOU believe to be immoral behavior in the privacy of someone else’s home, how do the ends justify the means? you helped nobody. you hurt many. neither the founders of this nation, nor christ, would support current marijuana policy.
Author
You failed to answer my question: Do you not believe that the current state law that does already allow non-euphoric medical marijuana in certain cases to be sufficient?
Thank you, I am in agreement that we need to know how the do their job. They can be in many groups or boards, but that doesn’t tell us how they are in the court room.The Constitution must be followed. Some of the laws and punishments for non violent or victimless crimes are putting people in jail that need different sentences. The Constitution and our State Constitution needs to be upheld.
With the down play of citizens rights and the up play of conform or be jailed- Judges must be right, our law enforcement and agencies also must uphold the Constitution. It’s our job to over see we are putting the right people in any elected office.
I’m excited to hear the progress of a Constitutional Watchdogs In The Courts- That is a much needed thing! Happy to find this info! I did see a progressives post on who they wanted to keep and who to go, The opposite for your recommendations 🙂 they wanted the Conservatives gone, yet they also didn’t want Rick Scott to appoint anyone lol- For your entertainment- http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/10/23/1585895/-Seminole-County-Florida-Progressive-Ballot-Recommendations-All-Races-November-8-2016
Author
Thank you for the link. That is amazing!
I thank you for your time of doing your best to provide us (we the people) with the most accurate info possible. I also appreciate your opinions followed with explanations. Your info did help me vote the Bible!
Author
You’re welcome. Please share with your family and friends.
Pastor Bryan,
Thank you SO much for the only meaningful information that I could find on the web regarding judicial retention!
DITTOS!
Author
You are welcome. Please share with your friends and family.
Thank you for your guide I appreciate it very much and was very helpful to me. I am a Christian and I am interested in a conservative justice system
Thank you very much for the guidance I am interested in the conservative justice system and I appreciate your article
So I was researching my ballot options for the Florida vote. I was a bit disappointed to not find solid information on the conservative or liberal leanings of these people on the ballot.
After I realized this was a pro religious conservative nutjob website…. if this site is against a candidate, i will vote to support that candidate. If this site is for a candidate, i will vote against him. I will continue my research but this site made my job easier by noting down who the religious nut jobs support.
Religion poisons everything and is a cancer that has latched itself to the throat of humanity since time immemorial. Time to cut that cancer out.
Thanks.
I appreciate taking the time to research the judges. I’m going to do the opposite you recommend, but I appreciate the time
That of course is the definition of rebellion.
AtheistMovie.com
you should learn to defend your view…this might help.
Why did you change your recomendations for Lambert, Edwards, and Torpy on the 5th District Court of Appeals?
Author
When I initially posted this recommendation, I used the best information available to me at that time. I have since made connections with other prolife, Christian attorneys who track the opinions of all 70 appellant justices in Florida. Based on information I learned from those contacts, I have changed my recommendations on some of the appellant judges.
Can you please publish links (or explanations) to back up your No votes for all of the District 5 Judges? Thanks!
Author
I don’t have any links available, but I have consulted with attorneys who follow the cases of each of the judges in FL’s appellant court. All of the justices in District 5 have a participated in judicial activism (legislating from the bench) in several of the cases they have decided. In future elections, we may be able to provide more detail on the individual judges, but for now, we only have recommendations for the appellant judges.
Any thoughts between Michael McNicholas & Robert Meadows for Circuit judge 19th judicial circuit group 6?
Author
After consulting with Christian attorney in the area, I am recommending voting for Michael McNicholas: http://bryanlongworth.com/2016/10/24/judicial-recommendations-for-19th-judicial-circuit-group-6/.
Thank you for this, I have used your information to vote exactly the opposite of whomever you recommend . I appreciate you making it so easy for me.
Thank you Pastor Bryan, I do not know you or where you preach, but the information is very valuable to the born again believer. God called me into a ministry November 2015. and I understand the value of this information and time involved to put it together. It is a ministry in itself. God bless you as you continue to serve the most high God. If you have a moment, my inspirational blog is http://www.messagesfromthemasterbymary.com. I understand your time is valuable, and it is OK if you don’t have that moment to spare. It may be something you would like to share to those in your care. I only message what the Holy Spirit imparts to me. It is all about Him and nothing about me, unless He directs. Again, thank you for this site, it has helped me immensely.
Mary A. Evans
Author
Thank you. Please share this page with your family and friends.
Hello Pastor Bob,
I’m so relieved that I found this website! Thank you Thank you! I have been researching all of my District Judges so much without much information ( its been maddening! ), but now I’m at peace! I even emailed their offices asking for their stances on life matters with lots of “no responses” and “cop out emails” So, Thank you for your time and posting all of this information, I really appreciate it! Very Helpful
Author
You’re welcome. Please share with your friends and family.
The difficulty in determining where a judge stands on an issue stems from the FL Bar Association which prohibits judges from answering questionnaires on where they stand on a particular issue. This is why tracking the ruling these judges make on cases is vitally important. Thankfully, God has given us connections with attorneys who do just that.
Dear Pastor Longworth,
What is your reasoning for recommending we vote no to not retain all the Justices in the Fifth District Court of Appeal? I’ve read a progressive reject Edwards and Lambert since they were appointed by Rick Scott and reject Torpy since he is a Republican. Thank you for your time.
Author
Looking at who appointed a judge will give you a slightly better than 50-50 guess at how the judge will vote, but tracking their cases to see how they actually voted gives a clear picture of what type of judge they are. I have consulted with Christian attorneys who track the cases of the appellant court justices and the FL Supreme Court. Judges who are judicial activists (those who legislate from the bench) get a no recommendation. Judges who are constructionists (interpret the constitution and laws as they are written) get a yes recommendation. Some judges who receive a no recommendation don’t always vote the wrong way but do vote the wrong way a high enough percentage of the time to warrant removal and replacement, especially when Governor Scott is doing an excellent job of placing judicial constructionists on the bench.
Thank you for compiling this information. I was finding it difficult to locate information on the justices and their previous ruling records.
I want justices and judges who maintain separation of church and state, support women’s reproductive rights and extend equal rights for ALL people under the law.
I read your opening paragraphs, and now know that I will vote exactly opposite from your suggestions.
You made that quite simple.
Can you please tell me about Patricia J Kelly, Robert Morris, and Stevan Travis Northcutt. I appreciate your stance but I would like to know the rationale behind your decisions.
Thank you,
Author
I have consulted with Christian attorneys who track the cases of the appellant court justices and the FL Supreme Court. Judges who are judicial activists (those who legislate from the bench) get a no recommendation. Judges who are constructionists (interpret the constitution and laws as they are written) get a yes recommendation. Some judges who receive a no recommendation don’t always vote the wrong way but do vote the wrong way a high enough percentage of the time to warrant removal and replacement, especially when Governor Scott is doing an excellent job of placing judicial constructionists on the bench.
Thank you for posting this Pastor. God wants His people to stand for righteousness. Life is God’s # priority, and it should be ours (Believers) as well. This list is very helpful for those who desire to vote for life. Jesus died for our lives, and here we have a chance to be a voice for the voiceless by voting for life and against murder. The sarcasm and insults may come, however, they do not move Holy Spirit, and they will not move the Heavens, but our prayers for the unborn, and our standing for righteousness will. Thank you. God Bless. #Vote4Life
Pastor,
Thanks for the recommendations and rationale. As I see by the comments on this site, you are drawing a lot of fire for daring to have an opinion that is not in tune with the lemmings rushing over the cliff of cultural depravity. As you have pointed out, there is so much history behind Christian involvement in politics. Also – there is such vitriol behind the remarks of those who want only their opinion voted into office and wish that all Christians would just shut up and let all forms of Christian morality perish from the public square. Why is it wrong for Christians to seek to legislatively influence the culture while those who want us to stay quietly locked away in our churches blast society with their message? Are they afraid their ideas won’t stand the light of day? Yep.
Author
Thank you. Please share this page with your family and friends.
Encourage research!
Bryan, thank you for your in-depth research and a platform where I can read and make my own decisions. I agree with most of your recommendations. But, don’t worry. I will not berate and ridicule you on the points where I disagree (I’m a better person than that). I will simply keep researching until I find the info I need to make my own decisions.
Maybe I’m missing something but I only see explanations for 3 of the judges on this whole entire list. Where are the rest of the explanations?
Author
I haven’t provided an explanation of the detailed analysis on the appellant justices. If there is enough demand for a detailed report, we will consider making that available. Most of our viewers just want the recommendations though.
The recommendations are based on consultation with Christian attorneys who track the cases of the appellant court justices and the FL Supreme Court. Judges who are judicial activists (those who legislate from the bench) get a no recommendation. Judges who are constructionists (interpret the constitution and laws as they are written) get a yes recommendation. Some judges who receive a no recommendation don’t always vote the wrong way but do vote the wrong way a high enough percentage of the time to warrant removal and replacement, especially when Governor Scott is doing an excellent job of placing judicial constructionists on the bench.
I’d like to know as much as possible about each one. Some of them bring up very little info on a Google search. I like to find sources with good references.
Author
You won’t find any information on most of the appellant judges using Google. To research them, you actually have to read every majority and dissenting opinion of every case the appellant judge is involved in. The attorneys I am consulting with, do just that.
I want to thank you for this helpful list of who to vote for. Since I am completely opposite of your views I used your helpful guide to vote for just the opposite that you suggested.
I really appreciate you doing the work of who I shouldn’t vote for. This really made my day and voting much carefree and such a breeze!
Peace love and happiness.