Reply #10: They are different for some very important reasons.

[WeRQ4U]

First, state and local judges interpret state and local laws. THey interpret common law. They do not interpret the federal constitution or federal laws. If they are do venture into those waters they are bound by the precedent of the SCOTUS. That's a HUGE difference.

Second, state and local judges don't make new law. They are subject to review by not only the local appeals court but also the State supreme Court. The SCOTUS does not answer to any other insitution. They're interpretation of law is considered binding on all other courts interpretting those same issues.

If you combine Judicial Term LImits with an uncertainty regarding voting machines, you are plodding towards some very dangerous territory .