Gov. Rick Snyder received praise from far and wide – from Republicans and Democrats – on Wednesday for his choice of Macomb Chief Circuit Judge David Viviano to serve on the state Supreme Court. And it was justified.
A Republican, Viviano is respected in Macomb County legal circles for his humility, fairness and intelligence. But he also had a big advantage as Snyder sorted through all the contenders for the open seat on the high court.
Viviano is good friends with Robert Young, the chief justice of the Supreme Court. In fact, they’re more than friends. Apparently they are intellectual soul mates who engage in long, deep conversations about the law and public policy.
Within minutes after Snyder announced his appointment, Young put out a fairly lengthy press release that gushed about Viviano’s qualities: “exceptional … outstanding … invaluable … forward-thinking.”
What a heady day it was for Judge Viviano. His loss to Eric Smith in the 2004 election for an open seat for Macomb County prosecutor must seem like ancient history. That loss, coming when Viviano was just 32 years old, was followed by election to the circuit court two years later and an elevation to chief judge in January 2012.
Following that 2004 election, no one could have dreamed how quickly Viviano’s fortunes would rise.
Could it be that’s what happens when you lose to Smith?
If so, Mike Wrathell, hang in there. You’ve got big things coming your way.
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