Tennessee Waltz

The conservative group Family Action Council, in Tennessee, headed by state Sen. David Fowler (R), on June 5 sent surveys to state Supreme Court and appellate court judges seeking re-election on issues such as abortion, the AP/Tennessean reports. The survey includes a question asking the judicial candidates if they believe the Tennessee Constitution requires the use of state funds for abortions. Fowler said candidates are allowed to answer such questions under a 2002 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in a Minnesota case. The Supreme Court in June 2002 ruled in a 5-4 decision that Minnesota state judicial candidates have a right to free speech during campaigns and may openly discuss their views on issues such as abortion. Tennessee voters in August will decide whether to retain three of the five state Supreme Court justices, as the other two are retiring.

And yes, Family Action Council is an affiliate of Focus on the Family.