LRC issues 2008 judicial candidate recommendations

Michael J. Bond endorsed in Supreme Court race;
Judge Robin Hunt earns nod for return to Court of Appeals bench  

Seattle — The Liability Reform Coalition (LRC) issued its judicial recommendations in two important higher-court races that will likely be decided in Washington ’s August 19 primary election. The LRC endorsed the challenger in one Supreme Court race and an incumbent in a Court of Appeals contest.

“The LRC is doing its part to shed light on the election of individuals to our state’s highest courts,” said LRC executive director Dana Childers . “People elected to these positions have a huge impact on our every day lives, yet when it comes to deciding among judicial candidates, voters are often left scratching their heads because of the lack of information.”

Judicial candidates receiving 50 percent or more of the primary vote advance to the primary election without a challenger, making the August 19 election crucial for judicial candidates, noted Ms. Childers.

In the race for Supreme Court Position 3, the LRC endorsed challenger Michael J. Bond in his bid to unseat Justice Mary Fairhurst. As a challenger to a sitting judge, Mr. Bond has drawn a number of important endorsements, including The Seattle Times. His legal career spans 28 years and includes extensive trial and appellate work. He is a strong believer in judicial restraint and the duty of judges to adhere to the constitution in their judicial decisions.

Ms. Childers said Justice Fairhurst has a middle-of-the-road record on liability issues. Justice Fairhurst was the author of the disastrous majority opinion in last year’s Woo v. Fireman’s Fund case, which overturned a Court of Appeals decision to allow a dentist to recover more than $1 million from his insurance company after being sued for malpractice for a playing a cruel practical joke on one of his patients, who was also an employee.

In the race for a seat on the Court of Appeals Division II, District 2, the LRC endorsed incumbent Judge (Joyce) Robin Hunt. Judge Hunt has ably served the Court of Appeals for the past 11 years. In regard to liability issues, Ms. Childers said Judge Hunt’s rulings have earned high marks with the LRC. Although the challenger, Tim Ford, is a capable opponent, Judge Hunt has earned a return to the bench through her impressive service on the Court of Appeals bench.

The LRC will not make a recommendation in the race for the Supreme Court Position 4.

In making its judicial recommendations, the LRC conducted an exhaustive research and interview process to determine the candidates who best share the LRC’s mission to end lawsuit abuse. See the LRC Web site for more on the 2008 judicial recommendations: www.walrc.org.

Keeping tabs on liability rulings handed down by the Washington Supreme Court led the LRC to publish its first Judicial Scorecard eight years ago. The 2008 Judicial Scorecard can be accessed at www.walrc.org.

A recent article in the July issue of the Washington State Bar News is a good reminder to voters about the importance of who is elected to the high court. The article reports the results of an analysis showing the Washington Supreme Court to be the second most cited state Supreme Court in the nation, demonstrating the far-reaching effects of those elected to this court.

“At election time, the legal philosophy of a judge is just as important as the political philosophy of a state legislator,” said Ms. Childers. “We don’t want judges legislating from the bench. We need justice that embraces judicial restraint and adheres to our State Constitution.”

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A listing of all liability related bills active in the 2008 session is attached.