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Michelle L. MacDonald
Michelle L. MacDonald ran for election for the Seat 4 judge of the Minnesota Supreme Court. She lost in the general election on November 3, 2020.
MacDonald was a 2016 candidate for the Minnesota Supreme Court. She filed to run against incumbent Justice Natalie Hudson.[1] MacDonald was defeated. MacDonald was previously a 2014 judicial candidate for the Minnesota Supreme Court.[2]
Education
MacDonald received her B.A. in communications and English from Boston College and her J.D. from Suffolk University. She also completed the Instruction for Lawyers program at Harvard Law School.[3]
Career
MacDonald is an attorney in private practice with the MacDonald Law Firm, LLC. Her practice concentrates on the areas of family law, divorce, paternity, adoption, estate planning, and probate. She also served as a judge of the Conciliation Court (or small claims court) in Hennepin County from 1999 to 2014 and as an adjunct referee of the family court from 1992 to 2012.[3][4]
Awards and associations
- Minnesota State Bar Association
- Member, Professionalism Committee
- Hennepin County Bar Association
- Dakota County Bar Associations
- Certified parenting time expeditor and parenting consultant
- Rule 114 qualified mediator
- Founder, Family Innocence[3]
Elections
2020
See also: Minnesota Supreme Court elections, 2020
General election
General election for Minnesota Supreme Court Seat 4
Incumbent Paul Thissen defeated Michelle L. MacDonald in the general election for Minnesota Supreme Court Seat 4 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Paul Thissen (Nonpartisan) | 59.0 | 1,477,672 |
 | Michelle L. MacDonald (Nonpartisan) | 40.6 | 1,016,245 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.3 | 8,559 | ||
| Total votes: 2,502,476 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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2018
- See also: Minnesota Supreme Court elections, 2018
General election
General election for Minnesota Supreme Court Seat 2
Incumbent Margaret Chutich defeated Michelle L. MacDonald in the general election for Minnesota Supreme Court Seat 2 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Margaret Chutich (Nonpartisan) | 55.9 | 1,054,841 |
| Michelle L. MacDonald (Nonpartisan) | 43.7 | 825,770 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.4 | 7,128 | ||
| Total votes: 1,887,739 (100.00% precincts reporting) | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Selection method
- See also: Nonpartisan election of judges
Justices of the Minnesota Supreme Court are chosen in nonpartisan elections and elected to six-year terms. Candidates compete in primaries, from which the top two contestants advance to the general election.[5] Sitting justices must run for re-election if they wish to serve additional terms. While party affiliation is not designated on the ballot, incumbency is.[5] Interim vacancies are filled via gubernatorial appointment. Appointed justices serve until the next general election occurring more than one year after their appointment.[5] They may then stand for election to a full term, and other candidates may file to run against them.[6]
Qualifications
Justices are required to be "learned in the law" and under 70 years old. Sitting justices who reach the age of 70 while in office are allowed to serve until the last day of that month.[5][7]
Selection of the chief justice
The chief justice is directly chosen by voters in a nonpartisan election. He or she serves in that capacity for a full six-year term.
2016
MacDonald filed to run for incumbent Justice Natalie Hudson's seat in 2016.[1] Attorney Craig Foss also ran but was defeated in the primary.[1] The state GOP, which endorsed MacDonald in her 2014 run despite finding out after the fact that she had been arrested for DWI, declined to endorse her in her 2016 run.[8]
Election results
November 8 general election
Incumbent Natalie Hudson defeated Michelle L. MacDonald in the general election for Seat 6 on the Minnesota Supreme Court.
| Minnesota Supreme Court, Seat 6, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
 Natalie Hudson Incumbent |
58.81% | 1,266,827 |
| Michelle L. MacDonald | 40.77% | 878,270 |
| Write-in votes | 0.42% | 8,945 |
| Total Votes (4073 of 4120 precincts reporting: 99%) | 2,154,042 | |
| Source: Minnesota Secretary of State | ||
August 9 primary
| Minnesota Supreme Court Primary, Seat 6, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
| Natalie Hudson Incumbent |
64.96% | 173,884 |
| Michelle L. MacDonald |
20.49% | 54,853 |
| Craig Foss | 14.55% | 38,960 |
| Total Votes (4110 of 4120 Precincts Reporting) | 267,697 | |
| Source: Minnesota Secretary of State Official Results | ||
Minnesota State Bar Association poll
The Minnesota State Bar Association polled its members between July 11 and July 24, 2016.[9] The poll included 3,396 members; 1172 (34.5 percent) responded. The respondents overwhelmingly favored Justice Hudson.
| Candidate | Votes | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Natalie Hudson | 1099 of 1172 | 93.77% |
| Michelle L. MacDonald | 37 of 1172 | 3.16% |
| Craig Foss | 36 of 1172 | 3.07% |
| Source: | Minnesota State Bar Association |
2014
See also: Minnesota judicial elections, 2014
MacDonald ran for election to the supreme court.
General: She was defeated in the general election on November 4, 2014, after receiving 46.5 percent of the vote. She competed against David Lillehaug.
[2]
Endorsements
- Minnesota Republican Party[10]
Campaign themes
2020
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Michelle L. MacDonald did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Michelle L. MacDonald completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by MacDonald's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
Exposing corruption in our courts that I have recognized as an attorney for 30 years Restoring the presumption of innocence, due process, the Rule of Law and adherence to the Constitution to protect fundamental rights. Reforming, albeit , transforming the Judicial branch.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Abolishing court for families. In 2011, I founded Family Innocence, a nonprofit dedicated to keeping families out of court: resolving conflicts and injustices peacefully. www.familyinnocence.com Together with attorneys, mediators, circle facilitators, professionals, parents and consumers, the group developed a consent process that involves court jurisdiction only when necessary. I am an active member of the National Association for Community & Restorative Justice (NACRJ) and Restorative Practices International.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
Jesus. Also my parents Charles and Irene Lowney, who raised 8 children (myself the oldest) to put God and family first.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
I authored "Sandra Grazzini-Rucki & the World's Last Custody Trial" a book about corruption in our courts, depicting a true family court crime story that shocks the conscience. A Judge had me participate as an attorney in Sandra's child custody trial in handcuffs, a wheelchair, with no shoes, no glasses, no paper, no pen, no files, missing children ? and no client. I complained about this behavior to the Board of Judicial Standards (which this Judge was on) to no avail. I was arrested during a break in the trial, and then made to continue to try the case in this debilitating state, having just filed a federal class action civil rights action against that same Judge, on behalf of Sandra and her family, decimated by his order, and ongoing corrupt practices . See Sandra Grazzini-Rucki, et al v. David Knutson, et al, United States District Court no. 0:13-CV-02477-SRN; Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals no. 14-2569; and Petition for Writ to the United States Supreme Court, docket no. 15-220. This is just a small piece of the book.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Love of people. Adherence to the Rule of Law. Common Sense. Appellate judges judge the law and the Judges. Many of our laws and court orders are unconstitutional. Due process is not simply providing a "process". Due process is clear rules, government adherence to those rules, legal representation, a speedy trial, an impartial decision-maker, and appeals process. If any step of due process is corrupted or missing, there is no due process. Judges should error on the side of liberty ---with our resources, property and children.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
As a tireless advocate for civil rights, meeting opposition nearly at every turn, I would say passion, persistence, perseverance, and patience.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
Connecting, really connecting, to humanity and the people I serve as Judge.
What legacy would you like to leave?
Eliminating court for families, through my work with Family Innocence, a nonprofit dedicated to keeping families out of court. A powerful way to resolve conflict is a restorative justice circle. Anyone can start by sitting down with a trained facilitator, to help you communicate with each other to identify the sources of conflict, including words and behaviors that can cause upset. I advocate unitive system of justice that is equal and voluntary, and integrates restorative justice practices, where those in conflict meet in a safe space, hear each other out, and decide what to do about their conflict.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
My very first job was working in my father's medical office, answering phones, connecting with patients, taking histories, and blood pressures, making appointments - the basics. Outside of the family business, my first job was at restaurant, taking orders, making sandwiches and cooking, serving people and excited about tips!
What happened on your most awkward date?
My mom, Irene, always said "safety in numbers". I remember I was meeting someone for a date that lived out of state, and was meeting me at the restaurant in a hotel. I remember driving alone to the date, and feeling like I should tell someone where I am going and who I was going to be with, so I called a friend. The instinct I followed held true, as this date ended up to put me in a vulnerable position of saying no, not being heard or understood, and I was able to leave safely, and tell him that someone knew where I was and who I was with.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
I particularly love Thanksgiving. Getting together with the whole family growing up, the traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings. I became in charge of the gravy at a young age, told it is the most important task! As a kid, we would have dinner at home, and also at both grandparents' houses with extended family. Things have changed, so Thanksgiving and the dinner guests are not the same every year, since leaving home, for instance, when I got married and moved to Minnesota, we would host Thanksgiving for those that did not have family here, and sometimes my parents and grandparents would travel here.
What is your favorite book? Why?
The Bible. I open it in the morning with my husband. There is so much wisdom, knowledge, guidance and peace. Reading the Bible is a "wow" every time.
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
A daily struggle is to live in the present moment with positive thoughts. The power of now, is a book that inspired me. I also took Anthony Robbin's positive thinking challenge to think positively for 5 minutes and if a negative thought enters your mind, start over.
How would you describe your legal philosophy?
Conservative. Family orientated. People are afraid of court and judges, because of the expense, bureaucracy, and the adversary process that it is. That has to change. You should go to court if your liberties with your resources, property or children are being deprived, and instead the adversary court process regularly deprives us of these, letting those that do not follow the law get away with these deprivations outside of the court system, even after we look to the court for help.
Is there a particular judge, past or present, whom you admire?
Judge Bruce Peterson, Hennepin County District Court, Minnesota, who introduced me to Restorative Justice Circles in 2011. I had never heard of Restorative Circles, which opened up an entire new world of possibilities in the legal system that I had operated in for over 25 years.
Do you believe that empathy is an important quality for a judge?
Yes, absolutely. Judges need to connect to the people they are there to help, and their humanity.
What is your primary concern about today's legal system in your state?
Judicial immunities that were created by Judge decisions. Immunities have expanded to almost all government officials by court orders and legislative enactments, making our judges and other government officials unaccountable to the people they serve. This, when the Civil Rights Act is intended for the people to get relief from bad actors and government abuses.
Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by the state supreme court that you believe more people should be aware of?
The State Supreme Court lobbies the legislature for money for our courts - multi-millions of dollars each year.
How does your state’s supreme court serve as part of the state government’s checks and balances?
Unfortunately, the 3 branches of government are often conflated, and the separation of powers is not always at work. Our government does not provide the system of checks and balances that it should. It is often chaotic. The legislature looks to judges. The judges look to the legislature. The administrators look to the Judges, their orders, and legislature so forth.
If you are not a sitting judge, do you have any previous judicial experience? Do you believe it’s important to have that kind of experience for this judgeship?
Aside from my 30 year law practice, I have 22 years of part-time experience serving as an Adjunct Referee in Family Court and a Conciliation (Small Claims) Court Judge, assisting with hundreds of small claims court and family matters. I believe judicial experience is helpful. Aside from judges, juries, made up of the community of people, are impartial decision-makers as well. Judges are to be learned in the law, but I do not believe they necessarily have to be lawyers or have judicial experience.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2020 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State, "Candidate Filings, 2016 State General Election," accessed June 1, 2016
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Minnesota Secretary of State, "2014 State General Election Candidate Filings," accessed June 7, 2014
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 MacDonald Law Firm, LLC, "About Us," archived June 19, 2014
- ↑ Minnesota Judicial Branch, "Fourth District - Conciliation Court," accessed June 19, 2014
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 American Judicature Society, "Methods of Judicial Selection: Minnesota," archived October 2, 2014
- ↑ The Office of the Revisor of Statutes, "Constitution of the State of Minnesota," accessed August 8, 2016
- ↑ Office of the Revisor of Statutes, "2006 Minnesota Statutes," accessed July 30, 2014
- ↑ Pioneer Press, "Republicans vote against re-endorsing Michelle MacDonald," May 20, 2016
- ↑ Minnesota State Bar Association, "Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA) Announces Results of Poll on Contested Supreme Court Judicial Race," July 25, 2016]
- ↑ Minnesota GOP, "2014 Candidates," accessed August 21, 2014
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|---|---|---|---|
| Current judges | Theodora Gaïtas, Sarah E. Hennesy, Natalie E. Hudson, Anne K. McKeig, Gordon Moore, Karl Procaccini, Paul Thissen | ||
| Former judges | Barry Anderson, Paul Anderson, Kathleen Blatz, Margaret Chutich, Christopher Dietzen, Lorie Gildea, Natalie E. Hudson, David Lillehaug, Helen Meyer, Alan Page, David Stras, Wilhelmina M. Wright | ||
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State courts:
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State resources:
Courts in Minnesota • Minnesota judicial elections • Judicial selection in Minnesota
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