The editorial board of the St. Cloud Times raps state representative Jim Newberger, R-Becker, for meddling with the judicial branch.
In Legislator crosses line with letter to judge, the board observes:
Stunning.
That's the word that comes to mind upon the news that District 15B Rep. Jim Newberger tried to influence a judge on behalf of a business owner in his district.
While sometimes the actions of elected officials can fall into gray areas with regard to ethics, conflicts of interest or inappropriate use of power, Newberger's recent actions to help one constituent's legal battle stretch far across the bright line that's long divided our three branches of government.
Worse yet, Newberger serves on the Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over the judicial branch budget.
Voters must not overlook this action as we head toward Election Day. . . .
A two-term state legislator with a bachelor's degree in political science/mass communication most certainly should have known his action was wrong.
Quite honestly, he should do more than issue a statement in response to the initial report. He should apologize and fully explain why exactly he thought it was proper to use his legislative influence on a specific case in the judicial branch.
Read the entire editorial at the St. Cloud Times.
Bluestem looked at the news story last week in Newberger, on committee that oversees judicial budgets, appealed to judge to help job creator.
Photo: Jim Newberger, R-Becker, left front, pointing a finger. Photo by Glenn Stubbe, Star Tribune.
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