Chief
06-02-2008, 03:24 PM
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/365229_judicialed.html
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER EDITORIAL BOARD
Washingtonians have a right to clean, honestly conducted political campaigns. That's especially true in races for judicial positions. This week, candidates will file for elective positions all over the state. Because of the earlier primary dates, the filing period for offices on the ballot this year has moved up.
With dozens of congressional and legislative positions up for grabs, we can all expect a certain amount of distortion, misrepresentation and worse. That's unfortunate in any campaign; it's outrageous in a judicial race.
The authors of the Constitution had it right when they made federal judgeships and justices appointive offices, with tenure for life "during good behavior." But as long as we have an elected state judiciary, the campaigns should be above reproach.
A nonpartisan, independent group has formed to protect against the deterioration of judicial campaigns that has occurred elsewhere and, to a very limited extent, in this state. The Washington Committee for Ethical Judicial Campaigns is asking all candidates to pledge to conduct their races in a thoughtful manner and, if asked by the committee, to disavow any advertisements impugning the integrity of a rival.
The committee is focusing on Supreme Court and appellate races. It ought to cover Superior Court contests just as fully as soon as possible. Still, it's a promising undertaking. The results depend on the public paying attention.
One can only hope tha the Judicial races will be a bit more civilized this time around, but I won't hold my breath till that happens.
Once those campaigns stand up websites we will post them here as well.
Developing...
cewl
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER EDITORIAL BOARD
Washingtonians have a right to clean, honestly conducted political campaigns. That's especially true in races for judicial positions. This week, candidates will file for elective positions all over the state. Because of the earlier primary dates, the filing period for offices on the ballot this year has moved up.
With dozens of congressional and legislative positions up for grabs, we can all expect a certain amount of distortion, misrepresentation and worse. That's unfortunate in any campaign; it's outrageous in a judicial race.
The authors of the Constitution had it right when they made federal judgeships and justices appointive offices, with tenure for life "during good behavior." But as long as we have an elected state judiciary, the campaigns should be above reproach.
A nonpartisan, independent group has formed to protect against the deterioration of judicial campaigns that has occurred elsewhere and, to a very limited extent, in this state. The Washington Committee for Ethical Judicial Campaigns is asking all candidates to pledge to conduct their races in a thoughtful manner and, if asked by the committee, to disavow any advertisements impugning the integrity of a rival.
The committee is focusing on Supreme Court and appellate races. It ought to cover Superior Court contests just as fully as soon as possible. Still, it's a promising undertaking. The results depend on the public paying attention.
One can only hope tha the Judicial races will be a bit more civilized this time around, but I won't hold my breath till that happens.
Once those campaigns stand up websites we will post them here as well.
Developing...
cewl