Florida Elections 2014: Group 34 Robert Bauman vs Missy Polo
TBO.com accuarately began their coverage of the race between Robert Bauman and Missy Polo for the Circuit Judge seat with “Because they’re not allowed to talk about much of substance, including how they’d rule on cases, candidates for judgeships generally have to try to distinguish themselves with voters by saying they have the most experience or the best background.”
The end result is that both papers tout Robert Bauman with an endorsement, but let’s add more clarity: Polo is likely the most liberal judge, endorsed by Democrats Janet Cruz, Charlie Miranda, public defender Julie Holt and school board member Candy Olson.
Bauman is endorse by a more conservative crowd, which includes Republican Ken Hagen, The Tampa Tea Party and two religious figures Monsignor Higgins of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and Dr. Rev. Tom Scott.
TBO says voters can’t go wrong with either candidate, but the “highly respected Bauman has more experience and a history of calmly handling difficult tasks” and they offer their endorsement.
Bauman was also endorsed by TBT: “Bauman, though, has already distinguished himself in the legal field, earning a top rating by his peers for excellence and ethics. The local judicial nominating commission has sent Bauman’s name to the governor repeatedly in recent years for appointment to fill vacant judicial seats, most recently in January. His success over 26 years as coach of Jesuit High School’s state title-winning soccer team reflects his personal skills and ability to connect.”
It’s noteworthy that the Pipefitters Union is last as supporting both candidates with Bauman listing more union based supporters (contradicting the above theory): Central Labor Council (endorsement), Pipefitters and Plumbers Local123, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local union 915, Millwrights and Machinery Erectors Local Union 1000 and Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.
Missy Polo endorsements: http://www.melissapoloforjudge.com/endorsements/
Robert Bauman: http://www.votebauman.com/endorsements.html
Full analysis from TBO HERE and TBT HERE