CASSOPOLIS — Wayne County Circuit Judge Connie Marie Kelley, one of a trio of women seeking Michigan’s high court collectively known as the Democratic Party “Supremes,” brought her campaign to Cass County Saturday.
Kelley, a mother of two sons, 25 and 26 with her husband, Kevin, created a youth mentoring program for at-risk Cody High School girls to help them realize their full potential. She also raised her niece.
As a lawyer for 27 years, she fought for the rights of women and workers, taking on sexual harassment and discrimination cases. She practiced law throughout the state as a partner in a Troy firm in Oakland County with 43 attorneys.
The other Supremes are Southfield District Judge Shelia Johnson, an 18-year lawyer who created a community program to work with teens to deter criminal behavior and encourage positive career choices; and University of Michigan Law Professor Bridget Mary McCormack, a mother of four who founded the Pediatric Advocacy Clinic, which promotes health and well-being of children and families.
Their joint campaign literature states: “Michigan needs a change on the Supreme Court. Instead of siding with big insurances companies and polluters, taxpayers deserve a high court that is fair and impartial — a Supreme Court that stands up for middle-class families and fights to protect children.”
Kelley, a Circuit Court Family Division judge since 2009, graduated from the University of Michigan and Wayne State University Law School.
“I’m here because I feel people on this side of the state might feel neglected, even though Michigan law applies to people who live in every part of the state,” said Kelley, who was nominated by the party March 10 at Cobo Hall in Detroit. “Marilyn Kelly (chief justice, 2009-2011) is retiring because a judge can’t run if they’re 70, plus there are two Republican incumbents up for re-election,” Stephen J. Markman, who was in Dowagiac Saturday for the Lincoln Day dinner, and Brian K. Zahra, appointed last year by Gov. Rick Snyder.