Senator Plowman Questions Governor’s Nomination of Charles Dow for District Court Judge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JANUARY 12, 2007

AUGUSTA – Senator Debra Plowman, of Hampden, has raised serious concerns about the qualifications of Charles Dow, Governor Baldacci’s nominee for District Court Judge for the State of Maine. Dow is currently a Special Assistant to the Attorney General, and received his law degree from the University of Maine Law School in 1997.

“I’ve looked at everything that was made available to me as a legislator,” Senator Plowman said. “We haven’t received much, but from what I have read I question whether Charles Dow has the qualifications and experience necessary to hold such an important position in Maine’s legal system.”

A questionnaire completed by Dow in September shows limited courtroom experience. When asked, in the last five years, the frequency the nominee appeared in court, Dow responded that he had not appeared in court, and only had occasional administrative hearings. He goes on to report that his only jury trial experience was an occasion in which he served as second-chair to the primary prosecutor.

“Certainly, out of the 200 applications received by the Administration, there is an exceptionally qualified lawyer with well-rounded experience out there,” the Senator added.

In light of Dow’s limited experience as a lawyer, requests have been made for Dow’s education credentials.

“Without knowing more about Mr. Dow and being forced to rely on his own resume to determine his suitably, I would like to know what the Governor is basing his decision on,” said Senator Plowman, a former eight year member of the Judiciary Committee, which is the legislative committee responsible for reviewing all judicial nominations.

Senator Plowman represents District 33, which includes Carmel, Charleston, Corinna, Corinth, Dexter, Dixmont, Etna, Exeter, Garland, Glenburn, Hampden, Kenduskeag, Levant, Newburgh, Newport, Plymouth and Stetson. She can be reached in Augusta by calling 287-1505, in Hampden by calling 862-4506, or by e-mail at debraplowman@cs.com

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