Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar
Fair Judges Run Fair Campaigns
RECEIVED Mon., Aug. 31, 2009
Dear Editor,
Fair judges run fair campaigns. Overtly politicized judicial campaigns should tell you much about the type of judge a candidate would be. With John Lipscombe, we have only his candidacies to give us clues since he's not a judge, unlike Olga Seelig [“Race to the Judicial Starting Line,” News, Aug. 28]. Lipscombe’s supporters are not discussing his qualifications or responding to the lack thereof, they simply boil it down to, "It's his turn," and, "He's a better Democrat." I don't know what either claim means beyond the insinuated threat underlying it, as if I will be "punished" politically for supporting the "wrong" candidate according to a certain cabal of the party. Party politics have little bearing, and perhaps negative bearing, on what makes a fair and equitable judge.
Seelig's history represents the antithesis of the strong-armed political machine intent on putting a two-time loser in office. Due process provides for one's innocence until proven otherwise. If I found myself charged with something and standing at the County Court at Law No. 3 bench, I'd be scared witless facing someone who bullied his way into office but reassured to have my fate in Judge Seelig's hands. Vote for experience, compassion, and the alternative to politics as usual. Vote Olga Seelig for County Court at Law No. 3.
Fair judges run fair campaigns. Overtly politicized judicial campaigns should tell you much about the type of judge a candidate would be. With John Lipscombe, we have only his candidacies to give us clues since he's not a judge, unlike Olga Seelig [“Race to the Judicial Starting Line,” News, Aug. 28]. Lipscombe’s supporters are not discussing his qualifications or responding to the lack thereof, they simply boil it down to, "It's his turn," and, "He's a better Democrat." I don't know what either claim means beyond the insinuated threat underlying it, as if I will be "punished" politically for supporting the "wrong" candidate according to a certain cabal of the party. Party politics have little bearing, and perhaps negative bearing, on what makes a fair and equitable judge.
Seelig's history represents the antithesis of the strong-armed political machine intent on putting a two-time loser in office. Due process provides for one's innocence until proven otherwise. If I found myself charged with something and standing at the County Court at Law No. 3 bench, I'd be scared witless facing someone who bullied his way into office but reassured to have my fate in Judge Seelig's hands. Vote for experience, compassion, and the alternative to politics as usual. Vote Olga Seelig for County Court at Law No. 3.
Debbie Russell
