IN TEXAS, we elect our judges. That's a good thing. What's unfortunate is that we have so many judicial races in Harris County, Texas, that few of us have the time or information to do our own research.
That's especially unfortunate this year. In recent years, the out party -- usually the Democrats -- has fielded few legitimate candidates. Serious people don't run for judge on a ticket that cannot possibly win. This year, however, both parties offer some good candidates. Straight-ticket voting for judges is always a bad idea, but this year it's a worse idea than usual.
Enter Stephen Tipps, an attorney at Baker Botts. He studies the races closely and writes the best recommendations I know. With his permission, I am linking to his list. But first . . .
. . . read his transmittal letter.
[Here are] my recommendations in the judicial races on the November 2 general election ballot, all of which are contested this year. As always, I forward these recommendations for your consideration in the event you have not been able to obtain adequate information concerning the candidates on your own. It is not my intention to attempt to influence your vote in races in which you already have chosen a candidate.
Here are Mr. Tipps's recommendations.
Mr. Tipps mentions three candidates for whom he has special regard. They are Michael Massengale (Place 8, First Court of Appeals), Sylvia Matthews (281st District Court), and Christina Bryan (113th District Court).
I will follow Mr. Tipps's recommendations on every race except three. My preferences are Lynn Bradshaw Hull (280th Judicial District), Kathy Stone (County Probate Court No. 1), and Joellen Snow (County Probate Court No. 2).
Mr. Tipps signals his recommendations with boldfaced type. You should also pay attention to the candidates listed in italic typeface. Mr. Tipps believes they are also qualified.
He also identifies the choices of the Houston Bar Association poll and the State Bar of Texas poll, and the judges recommended by the Houston Chronicle.
Mr. Tipps's conclusion, in which I join:
Early voting begins on Monday, October 18, and runs through October 29. I encourage you to vote . . . .
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