Manningdro

Manningdro.
I don't doubt that his Leandro decision, declaring that a sound, basic education is constitutionally required, caused many otherwise distracted progressives to take note of and form a liking to Superior Court Judge Manning, a Republican and offshoot of the old Chapel Hill Manning clan that gives the hospital's address a namesake. I don't doubt this because I am one of those newcomer Manning fans.

So is the N&O, who named Manning the Tarheel of the Year. The editors offer a summary of their appreciation in today's editorial. Here is their leading paragraph:

Judge Howard Manning Jr., The News & Observer's choice for Tar Heel of the Year, was beaten in his most recent campaign, that for the state Supreme Court. But in losing, "Howdy" Manning perhaps enhanced his reputation. He cited the need for an impartial judiciary in rejecting the possibility of endorsement from his own Republican Party, and he sternly cautioned those who wanted him to take specific stands on legal issues to take a hike. Manning found a distaste in the way some candidates played to interest groups; he vowed he wouldn't do it, and he didn't.

The editorial goes on to describe his tireless work on NC's public school system. I'll be interested to see how we look at his efforts in the future.

Judge Manning is taking on a no-less active role than did the courts during integration. And, as I posted several days ago, many observers don't take to well at all to the courts' involvement. Further, there are those observers that grimace at any new right that is newly enumerated. If opponents of judge-created rights are consistent, they will not go quietly along with Manning's good fight.