PA lawyers launch website on court elections

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 10 April 2007) – The Pennsylvania Bar Association has put together a comprehensive election website – ahead of this spring’s primary elections for Supreme Court and Superior Court.

Visitors to the site can read about each candidate for each bench and can learn about the responsibilities the offices carry.

Bar President Ken Horoho says it’s the association’s – and the profession’s – attempt to put to good use its experience and its familiarity with the candidates.

"The most questions and the most phone calls I get from my neighbors are usually the calls the Monday night before the Tuesday election, when there are judicial candidates running. ‘What judges should I vote for?’ Because they typically look to the lawyers to say, ‘Look, you know these judges better than we do,’" Horoho says.

The site also lists the Bar’s closely watched ratings for each appellate candidate.

The association describes each candidate as Highly Recommended, Recommended or Not Recommended based on experience, reputation and community service background.

The website is www.pavotesmart.com.