SA: Senators, 14-8, reject Leonard as state's next chief justice

Here's the real reason: "Sen. Clayton Hee, in opposition, raised concerns about whether Leonard would be open enough to Native Hawaiian rights. A court that strictly follows the rule of law may not have led to the recognition of customary Hawaiian rights, he said."

Candidate Predicts & Denounces Gender Equality Hypocrisy

News Release sent prior to Senate vote from Eric Marshall Republican candidate SD 10 (vs. Brian Tanaguchi in November)

Honolulu, HI, August 6, 2010: Eric Marshall, State Senate candidate for District #10 predicts the State Senate will renege on its own resolution passed earlier this year. The resolution was voted and approved by the same Senators who will most likely vote today against Katherine Leonard’s confirmation as Chief Justice of the Hawaii State Supreme Court.

Senate Resolution 26 SD1 mentions “WHEREAS, the Legislature finds that the appointment of women judges is important, because of the benefit of their life experiences. Judges, and especially appellate judges, often have discretion in deciding cases.” Judge Leonard happens to be an appellate judge as well as having experienced a challenging life.

Earlier in the week Brian Taniguchi Judiciary Committee Chair a 30 year career politician spoke openly in naming three other male nominees of which he would appoint as Chief Justice. In doing so he broke the confidential of the process and revealed how arrogantly bias he is towards his fellow lawyers.

Marshall states “The irony is that this hypocrisy is taking place in the light of the historical confirmation of Elena Kagan, a women who has never even been a judge yet will be seating on the U.S Supreme Court. If the State of Hawaii Senate rejects Judge Leonard, who has more judicial experience than Elena Kagan there can be zero doubt that it was politically motivated. If anyone says otherwise then we know why it is not an accident why the Democratic party is called the “Old Boy Network”.

Gender Equality becomes another broken promise. If elected as Senate Senator #10 over the incumbent candidate for District #10 I would help those constituency who are tired of Taniguchi’s ways finally get some peace.”

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Contact: Eric4senate@gmail.com www.Eric4Senate.com

RELATED: April 7, 2010: Hawaii Senate “Urging Governor to use and consider gender equity when appointing judges”