Congratulations to the physicians of Northeastern Ohio and the AMC/NOMA on the success of the long anticipated Election of 2002! After much hard work and debate, the AMC/NOMA is pleased with the election of Maureen O'Connor and Eve Stratton to Ohio's Supreme Court. Both of these candidates were supported by the AMC/NOMA political action committee, NOMPAC. This election is a great example as to what an organized regional grassroots effort can accomplish. Incumbent Judge Stratton defeated democrat Janet Burnside and Lt. Gov. O'Connor successfully campaigned for the open seat against challenger Tim Black. In her acceptance speech, Lt. Gov. Maureen O'Connor stated "You cannot underestimate the influence of the medical community...they did a tremendous job energizing their own ranks and their patients." Justice Stratton noted the importance of the medical community as well.
The win is important to Northeastern Ohio physicians who now have some assurance that we have Supreme Court justices that interpret the law rather than legislate the law. With this reorganization of the Supreme Court, the AMC/NOMA will work to assure that medical liability reform will become a reality in the state of Ohio. Physicians in northern Ohio anticipate renewed momentum for Senate Bill 281 and the possibility of a similar House Bill to be introduced when the legislature reconvenes in November. Physicians must continue to do the following - write your legislators about the need to pass medical liability reform. Ask your patients to write/call/e-mail their representatives about the need for medical liability reform. The Supreme Court election was only the first step. We must keep pressure on the legislature to pass SB281. There are hearings scheduled on SB 281 the week of November 11th - the AMC/NOMA is sending two physicians to testify on the bill.