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Chief Justice Michael Wolff wants salary increase for state judges

January 25, 2006
By: Andrea Ramey
State Capital Bureau

Missouri Chief Justice says Supreme Court nominees shouldn't have to give away their game plan in the confirmation process.

Andrea Ramey has more from the state Capitol.

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Speaking to the Assembly in his State of the Judiciary speach, Democratic Chief Justice Michael Wolff praised Republican Senators who questioned Judge Samuel Alito in the confirmation process.

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Contents: "Campaign promises are inconsistent with judging. After all, you don't want the referee in a football game to announce which side he will penalize before the game begins."

Alito has enough pledged support to win the confirmation in the Senate, which requires a simple majority.

From the state Capitol, I'm Andrea Ramey

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Asking the Assembly for more money is nothing new, but the Missouri Chief Justice wants lawmakers to fund the growing responsibilities of the judicial system.

Andrea Ramey has more from the state Capitol.

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In his state of the Judiciary speech, Chief Justice Michael Wolff said the judicial system is receiving less money than they did twenty years ago from the state... but have had their responsibilities greatly increased since that time.

The Chief Justice also said judicial salaries are having a negative impact on their ability to attract judges.

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Contents: "My greatest fear is that we will lose the ability to attract enough of the state's finest lawyers to public serice in the Judiciary."

Governor Blunt did propose a four percent salary increase for state workers, which he commented on after the Chief Justice's address.

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Contents: "My budget recommendations didn't include judges or elected officials. It was just for hard-working employees that are in Jefferson City or around the state."

Blunt added people who enter public service should know they aren't entering a lucrative field.

From the state Capitol, I'm Andrea Ramey.

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