Judge Jordan Goes Full Carnes!

We've written at length about Judge Carnes' predilection for a strong "cold opening" to his opinions, frequently drawing from history, literature, pop music, and even beloved children's stories.

Not to be outdone, Judge Jordan tries his hand with an always-in-style Abe Lincoln reference:

Following the 1860 election, President Abraham Lincoln chose a cabinet “comprised of enemies and opponents,” including three men who had been his “chief rivals for the Republican nomination,” because they “‘were the strongest men in the party’” and he “‘had no right to deprive the country of their services.’” DORIS KEARNS GOODWIN, TEAM OF RIVALS: THE POLITICAL GENIUS OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN 319 (2005). When she was elected in 2008 as superior court clerk of Lumpkin County, Georgia, Rita Harkins did not emulate President Lincoln; in her first official act as clerk, Ms. Harkins dismissed her co-worker and former political rival, Sarah Jane Underwood, whom she had defeated in the Republican primary.

Ok, not bad for a first try -- this one actually fits.

Roughly translated, I believe the Judge is saying:  "Ms. Harkins, you are no Abe Lincoln."