Scott Stafne

Someone asked me: Why arent you running to be judge? Why are you running for Congress? I answered: Because unless Congress does its job the system of checks and balances set up in our Constitution does not work. Congress is the branch of government which is supposed to oversee how all the branches of government are working. I looked back at her and... asked: Did you know the legislative branch of government was supposed to be the eyes and ears of the people? Yes, enacting laws is one of Congress purposes. But an equally important role is to oversee, and where necessary impeach, officials in the other branches of government who are abusing their powers. She thought about what I said. Please tell me more. A good example, would be oversight of the judicial department. Many believe that we need judicial reform because our courts arent working for the people. Now she was quiet. I could tell she was listening. Federal courts jurisdiction in most circumstances to decide cases is determined by statute. This means that Congress can and should be playing a much greater role in making sure that the check and balances in our system work. Congress does not, and should not abdicate, all of its authority to the Court to determine how that branch of government functions. A self-regulated judicial department gives judges way more authority than those citizens who ratified our Constitution intended the judicial branch of government would have. The judicial branch of government was supposed the weakest branch, but as legislative and executive officers became more concerned with the money needed to secure their own elections they cared less about making sure that branch of government functioned properly. If elected to Congress in Washingtons First Judicial District one of my foremost priorities will be to investigate judicial corruption and bias at the federal level. I will propose legislation designed to end rule of America by a judicial oligarchy of judges who are often appointed to office because of their affiliation with either ...Read More