Campaign cash issue for judges

A new study by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University found "The ethics and integrity of a judge should be beyond reproach. Accepting contributions from attorneys and the organizations representing them crosses a line and brings the impartiality of our judicial system into question." The study also states money is changing the way the judicial elections are being held. "These campaigns are now high-stakes contest in which the chamber of commerce, tort reform lobbyist, organized labor, plaintiffs' lawyers, and other, often much more narrower, interest groups spend substantial recourses -- frequently without disclosing the sources of their funding." Judicial candidates should lead the way in campaign ethics; not be beholden to lawyers who may appear before them.

Locally, John Noverini signed a pledge stating he will not accept campaign contributions from attorneys or any other legal organizations according to the Citizens for Noverini Web site (www.noverini.com). I am writing to publicly ask Mr. Noverini's opponent, Patricia Piper Golden, to sign a pledge stating the she will not accept campaign contributions from attorneys or organizations that represent attorneys. If you want to pass judgment on us, please ensure that you pass judgment on any potential conflict of interest first.

Cathy Hamilton

Elgin