Two judges were in the news last week. One made a decision on a ballot access issue. The other died after a long life of public service.<\/p>\n
The late Norman Champagne was the definition of a public servant. Many in Manchester knew him as a district (now circuit court) judge whose quiet temperament was a balance for his boisterous colleague, Armand Capistran.<\/p>\n
Champagne held the post for nearly three decades but still found the time for worthy causes such as CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). Proud of his Franco-American heritage and his Catholic faith, he was a member and officer of the Richelieu Club and of the Knights of Columbus. Champagne also served in the state Senate, including being Democratic leader for a time. Our condolences to his family.<\/p>\n
There must be some connection between serving the law and serving the sport of boxing. Norm Champagne was a judge of fisticuffs, serving as such for many amateur fights.<\/p>\n
U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante has been even closer to the action, serving as a boxing referee of amateur and professional bouts.<\/p>\n
Last week, the Nashua native did a good job refereeing the fight between the state and the Libertarian Party. The party wanted a blanket waiver from the required signatures needed to put its candidates on the November general election ballot. It said the COVID-19 virus made it impossible to collect signatures. The state, worried about a bad precedent, said nothing doing.<\/p>\n
Enter Judge Laplante, who sent the parties to their corners while he pondered. He ended with what we would call a split decision.<\/p>\n
The Libertarians will need signatures, but not as many as the state normally requires.<\/p>\n
Unlike political parties that pop up and then disappear, the Libertarians have a credible history in New Hampshire and have presented voters with valid alternatives in some races. Allowing them to try to gain ballot access is a good thing. Good call, ref.<\/p>\n
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In and out of the ring: Two judges in the news - The Union Leader<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Two judges were in the news last week. One made a decision on a ballot access issue Continue reading