None, essentially. They had to throw her in jail for “contempt”, so for disobeying a black robed tyrant’s orders. Yet this is an elected official, they do not answer to the judiciary, but are (supposedly) a co-equal branch.
I don’t know how the left expects this to play out. If Davis simply continues to refuse, what will they do? They can keep her in jail for contempt indefinitely, but then she becomes a celebrity political prisoner for the GOP to campaign behind for the foreseeable future. I don’t think that is the left’s goal. They want to break her and make an example out of her, but if she simply stands her ground, she wins.
Sounds as though the judge is inventing law from the bench.
If that’s the case, a healthy application of tar and feathers is in order for “hizzoner.”
One thing I do know, we definitely need to crowdsource some financial support for her and her family, just in case she decides to go for the long haul.
I don’t know how the left expects this to play out. If Davis simply continues to refuse, what will they do? They can keep her in jail for contempt indefinitely, but then she becomes a celebrity political prisoner for the GOP to campaign behind for the foreseeable future. I don’t think that is the left’s goal. They want to break her and make an example out of her, but if she simply stands her ground, she wins.
Great Post, but you mistakenly assume the GOP is that smart or even wants to do that.
Actually, that isn't true. The contempt power is used to force compliance, and once it becomes clear that compliance will not be forthcoming, the contempt power is, in principle, exhausted. The time interval for this is typically on the order of weeks or months, and in no event does it extend for a year.
And that, I think, is THE issue here - separation of powers. The fact that she is the elected County Clerk is an extremely big deal, according to the Constitution. Those who point out that she's no different than the SF City Council for creating a "Sanctuary City" are mostly right, except she has the 1st Amendment behind her, and SF doesn't.