MPR’s Cathy Wurzer profiles differing views of the candidates for seat on the state Supreme Court.

Further defining the role of party politics in judicial campaigns in Minnesota is now up to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. The court heard arguments about state guidelines which forbid judicial candidates from seeking endorsements from political parties, attending political rallies and directly soliciting campaign funds. Minnesota has historically had tight restrictions on judicial candidates, but in 2002, the U.S. Supreme Court said the state's rules which restrict the candidates' ability to speak their minds on specific political and legal issues violated the First Amendment. Bemidji-based magistrate Tim Tingelstad is challenging justice Alan Page for his seat on the Court. The two have different opinions about whether candidates should talk about their personal beliefs. Justice Page is opposed to candidates speaking out; Bemidji-based Tingelstad believes he should speak out on his world views.