Senate Confirms Charles Dow for District Court Judge with Party Line Vote
Nominee’s Lack of Courtroom Experience Ignored by Senate Majority

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 23, 2007

AUGUSTA – Today, the Senate voted to confirm Charles Dow, of Winthrop, as a District Court Judge.  Dow’s nomination was approved by all 18 Senate Democrats, but earned no support from Senate Republicans because of his glaring lack of real courtroom experience.

Although Dow had served in State government for eight years, serving as a Legislative Aide in the office of the Speaker of the House and then as Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs for the Attorney General’s office, he gained no courtroom experience in these roles.  Prior to his service at the State House, Dow worked at a Portland based law firm for only four months. 

Senator Dave Hastings, of Fryeburg, the Senate Republican lead on the Judiciary Committee, praised Dow’s judicial temperament, calling him a man of intelligence, with a sincere desire to serve the people of Maine.  Senator Hastings also expressed his regret at the embarrassment Dow may have felt throughout the nomination process.  However, the Senator felt duty-bound to speak out against the confirmation of Dow.  “The Judiciary Committee has an obligation not simply to rubber stamp a nominee,” Senator Hastings said.  Nominees need “experience that will allow them to step quickly into the role of District Court Judge.”

During floor testimony, members of the majority party emphasized Dow’s character and intelligence, but ignored his significant lack of courtroom experience throughout their remarks.

Senator Carol Weston, of Montville, the Senate Republican Leader, wished Dow well on his new appointment, but was disappointed with the majority’s decision to ignore hundreds of other qualified legal minds in Maine, and focus instead on advancing the Governor’s pick.  “Now that Charles Dow has been confirmed, we all wish him luck with this brand new experience,” Senator Weston said.  “But I cannot help but compare Dow to the other five nominees for District Court Judge, who have the character and the experience that demonstrate a firm grasp of Maine’s legal system, and a commitment to the rule of law in Maine.  We were presented with no indication that Dow commanded an understanding of courtroom proceedings, because he has accumulated no experience in the courtroom at all.  In the future, I hope the Governor will consider his nominees more carefully, and choose individuals who have demonstrated both the character and experience required to earn bipartisan support.”  

CONTACT:

William Thompson                    287-1505 (o)
Communications Director, Senate Republican Office

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