VOTE FOR PEDRO!

What, me worry?

Why does a judicial campaign feel like a student government election? Or perhaps a sorority presidential campaign? It is because most states, but especially Florida, have non-partisan elections for judge, and because judicial candidates are strictly limited as to what they can say while campaigning. Inoffensive, usually hackneyed, campaign phrases abound: “Firm, But Fair;” “Experience Counts.”

Florida’s Judicial Canon of Ethics prohibits reference to or allegiance to any particular party, and bars discussion or promises of how a candidate, if elected judge, would rule on any issue that might come before him or her. Also, judicial candidates (remember, they are running for an office of high regard and utmost integrity) are barred from making misrepresentations (telling lies?) about opposing candidates.

A couple of recently-elected judges in Florida found themselves de-frocked (disrobed?) after taking the bench due to campaign misbehavior. The Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission and the Florida Supreme Court did not like that behavior one bit. So how to get beyond the broadcast and mailed fluff? Talk to a lawyer you know who works in the courts, and who knows the candidates. Do some internet sleuthing; look to see who has contributed to the campaign, check out the candidate’s websites and see their qualifications.

In Florida, primary elections are August 18. Two Duval county court judicial races are on the ballot then; one race will be decided (only two candidates), but the other may go to a run-off. In a Duval County first, three African-American lawyers are running in Group 13. In that race, I recommend voting for Octavius Holliday, a lawyer (now serving as an Assistant State Attorney) with a solid reputation and a varied practice history. In Group 1, I recommend Matt Lufrano, a committed, hardworking private-practice lawyer with wide community support. Both have extensive courtroom experience and both will make excellent judges. Tell them Pedro sent you!