Michigan State Senate candidate defends sexist remarks about Nassar judge

Image 1 of 4

Judge Rosemarie Aquilina speaks at a sentencing hearing for Larry Nassar for molesting about 100 girls while he was a physician for USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

A Michigan Senate candidate is grabbing attention after making an inflammatory comment on social media about Judge Rosemarie Aquilina. 

Aquilina has been in the national spotlight lately after overseeing the sentencing in Lansing, Mich. of former sports doctor Larry Nassar. She let more than 150 of his sex abuse survivors read their victim impact statements, and followed all of their statements with words of acknowledgement and encouragement. 

Candidate Mike Saari feels Judge Aquilina's actions open up for the for Nassar to appeal.

"She slammed with the hammer of Thor against Larry Nassar and put her own two cents into it. And I think that's wrong because that's opening up the door to appeal," Saari told FOX 2.

WATCH & READ: Judge Rosemarie Aquilina's full sentencing of Larry Nassar

Earlier this week, he left the following comment on a Facebook post: "Judge was wrong for her personal vocal opinions on record... That should be a crime against jurisprudence itself... Lastly, what do you think this feminazi judge would say if her husband asked for [oral sex]?" 

He told FOX 2 he left that comment out of anger. 

He argues Judge Aquilina violated Canon 3 of the Judicial Code of Conduct.

"With somebody in her position, she is supposed to be held to a higher level. She is supposed to know, wearing the robes, it's not about her," Saari says.

FOX 2 asked Saari if he thinks he, himself, should be held to a higher level with the way he conducts himself on social media since he's looking to hold public office. 

Saari responded, "If I had not used the terminology I used, would you be here? Would the people be listening?" 

So the end justifies the means, he says, just not when it comes to Judge Aquilina, who sentenced Nassar to 40 to 175 years in prison last week.

"Her sentencing was proper; the way she carried it out was improper. It opens up the door for appeal."

Saari hopes the Judicial Ethics Committee reviews Judge Aquilina's conduct. She is considering a run for the Michigan Supreme Court.

News