AABANY is sharing the following information in response to the many inquiries we have received asking how to help her during this difficult time.
The Manhattan Democratic Committee (for the first time ever) voted in August to withhold their support for an incumbent: Justice Doris Ling-Cohan.
The MDC Screening Panel has since recognized that Justice Doris was not evaluated according to the rules that apply to incumbent judges. As reported in the press, the process was inappropriately swayed by a selected few who had direct non-disclosed conflicts and special interests.
Pursuant to the applicable rules, Justice Doris can rejoin the November ballot only by being nominated as a democratic candidate from the floor at the Manhattan Democratic Judicial Convention on Thursday, September 22.
Justice for the Justice will only be served if the judicial delegates vote in the majority to support Justice Doris for reelection at the Convention. The rumors that the Manhattan Democratic Committee has reversed its decision of non-support are false. Our fight continues.There is absolutely no question that Justice Doris is qualified, competent and works hard in her position as an Associate Justice on the Appellate Term of the First Department. Click here are a one-pager on Justice Doris’ credentials (Bio Ling-Cohan.pdf). Click here for a summary of her notable decisions (Noteworthy Decisions Ling-Cohan.pdf), which includes a groundbreaking 2005 decision in Hernandez v. Robles, which held that same-sex couples have a right to marry.
To defend her job and her honor, Justice Doris has consequently had to hire campaign staff and has been running a re-election campaign. There are two things you can do to help.
Make a Donation: Any amount is appreciated. Please fill out the contribution form (Contribution Form Ling-Cohan.pdf) and send your check to:
Re-Elect Justice Ling-Cohan c/o Lisa Kaplan52 East 1st Street #2A New York, NY 10003 (INCLUSION OF THE COMPLETED FORM IS VERY IMPORTANT)
Attend the Convention: The Manhattan Democratic Judicial Convention will take place on Thursday September 22 beginning at 5:30pm at Harlem Hospital’s Herbert G. Cave Auditorium at 506 Malcolm X Boulevard. The more of us who show up to show our support, the greater chance the delegates will be persuaded to put Judge Doris back on the ballot. Please click here to RSVP.
For additional information contact Lily Fan at [email protected] or Eve Guillergan at [email protected]