Sandra Day O'Connor speaking in Twin Cities today

By PAUL WALSH, Star Tribune

Last update: May 2, 2008 - 7:54 AM

Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor is in Minneapolis today and speaking at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. The topic is impartiality and the courts.

O'Connor, who in 1981 became the first woman on the nation's highest court, is appearing at the luncheon from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Cowles Auditorium, 301 19th Av. S. The event is sold out.

In comments published in the Wall Street Journal last November, O'Connor said: "Judicial elections, which occur in some form in 39 states, are receiving growing attention from those who seek to influence them. In fact, motivated interest groups are pouring money into judicial elections in record amounts. . . . These efforts threaten the integrity of judicial selection and compromise public perception of judicial decisions."

O'Connor, 78, retired from the Supreme Court in January 2006.

Her visit is being hosted by Minnesotans for Impartial Courts, League of Women Voters Minnesota and the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482

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