Judge of the Superior Court
Superior Court Judge Facts
§ There is only one superior court in Pennsylvania
§ A Superior Court judge serves a ten year term, if elected.
§ The Superior Court in Pennsylvania
Website: David Wecht Website - www.wecht2011.com – his website is clear, concise, and user-friendly. I especially liked his Resume section where he clearly lists his legal experience, education, and other work experience.
Bio: He has lived and worked in the Pittsburgh
Work Background: 8 years as trial judge. Over 14 years as litigator and trial lawyer in DC and Pittsburgh
1. Accessibility? Excellent. He responded clearly to my emailed questions within 24 hours.
2. Pro-Life? No, he doesn’t address this on his website but he is openly supported by PA Planned Parenthood.
3. Pro-2nd Amendment? Yes, but maybe not 100%. He replied to me by email and stated the following, “I adhere and subscribe to the United States
Note: On his website, it states he pioneered authorship of a state law that prevents accused murderers from controlling their victims’ estates.
Opinion: I do not agree with some of Judge David Wecht’s positions but I still respect him. He is professional and honest about where he stands. He is the only candidate with judicial experience. His website and personal replies give me the impression that he cares about the people in Pennsylvania
Website: http://www.stabileforjudge.com/ – His website was absolutely terrible during the primaries but he cleaned it up a “little bit” for the general election. It still greatly lacks information and it is not user friendly.
Bio: Vic lives in Carlisle , Pennsylvania
Work Background: Vic has nearly 30 years of broad legal experience and is a former Deputy Attorney General
1. Accessibility? Poor. He has a Contact button clearly displayed on his website but it is only for show. He did not reply to my emails in either the primaries or the general election.
2. Pro-Life? Yes. He doesn’t address it on his website but he is endorsed by Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation and Erie People for Life.
3. Pro-2nd Amendment? Yes. He doesn’t specifically address it on his website but NRA and Firearms Owners Against Crime have both endorsed Vic.
Opinion: Vic doesn’t have any judicial experience but rather, lawyer experience in the court system. Per his website, “While he is not a judge, he was a former state attorney who defended state agencies in trial and appellate courts.” Also, on his website, “Courts should NOT legislate, but rather should strictly construe and apply our Constitution and laws.”
Superior Court Summary:
Vic’s website is not as informative or as concise as his opponent’s website. He doesn’t have any judicial experience. He doesn’t reply to my emails. I believe he is counting on everyone to just show up at the voting booth and vote blindly down the Republican Party line. He has not given me anything to believe otherwise.
I am still undecided as to who has my vote. If Vic wins, it is not because he earned it. As always, I encourage you to do your own research and come to your own conclusions.
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Judge of the Commonwealth Court
Commonwealth Court Judge Facts
§ Nine judges are in the Commonwealth Court and they each serve 10 year terms.
§ The Commonwealth Court handles cases regarding taxation, unemployment compensation, workers compensation, labor laws/arbitration, land use/zoning, and utility regulation.
Website: http://www.annecoveyforjudge.com/ – Her website is not as concise and informational as Kathryn but her “Message to the Voters of Pennsylvania” was excellent.
Bio: Anne has been a resident of Pa for 18 years. She currently lives in Philadelphia
Work Background: Anne has served as an assistant counsel to the PLRB, a
Commonwealth Court law clerk, a practicing attorney and a Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board Member.
Commonwealth Court law clerk, a practicing attorney and a Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board Member.
1. Accessibility? Good. Her team responded to my email after a few days.
2. Pro-Life? Yes. Endorsed by Erie
3. Pro-2nd Amendment? Yes. Endorsed by FOAC.
Endorsed by: National Federation of Independent Business, Pennsylvania
Covey Summary: Per smartvoter.org and Anne’s website, she has the following priorities: Defend the fundamental principles of our constitution, oppose the use of international law in our courts, and end the practice of legislating from the bench by judges.
2. Kathryn Boockvar
Bio: Kathy has lived in PA with her husband and daughter since 1994.
Work Background: Kathy conducted health policy research in 1993-1994. She served as an attorney within different PA firms from 1994-2008. From 2008-2010, she engaged in non-partisan election-related work.
1. Accessibility? Poor. She has a Contact button on her website, but she did not reply to my emails.
2. Pro-Life? No. Openly supported by Planned Parenthood.
3. Pro-2nd Amendment? No. She doesn’t address it on her website but she is not endorsed by FOAC or NRA.
Endorsed by: Pennsylvania SEIU, Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, Pennsylvania State
Boockvar Summary: I like how Kathy has a little educational section on her site explaining the duties of the Commonwealth Court . But, I wish she had something outlining why she is running or why she thinks we should vote for her.
Commonwealth Court Summary: This should be an easy decision for the voters. Anne and Kathryn represent two opposite viewpoints. If you are more conservative and constitutionally-minded, then Anne is your pick. If you are more progressive and labor minded, then Kathy is your pick.
I respect both candidates’ views, but I only agree with one. Please feel free to research each candidate and come to your own conclusions.
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Judge Retention Seats
Vote Yes or No to retain.
Supreme Court
J. Michael Eakin
Background:
Assistant District Attorney for Cumberland County
District Attorney for Cumberland County
Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge 1995 – 2001
State Supreme Court 2001 – today
Pro-Life? Yes. Endorsed by PA Pro-Life Federation.
Personal Note: This doesn’t mean I support him, but you can’t help but like the guy when he writes his dissents in prose form. Google “Noel v. Travis” and you’ll see what I mean. I find him very witty. His fellow Justices have criticized him for his writing style but I appreciate it. Judge Eakin says it best - "You have an obligation as a judge to be right, but you have no obligation to be dull."
Superior Court
John T. Bender
Mary Jane Bowes – endorsed by PA Pro-Life Federation
Commonwealth Court
Renee Cohn Jubelirer
Mary Hannah Leavitt
Robert Robin Simpson – endorsed by PA Pro-Life Federation
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**Sources: Smartvoter.org, People for Life Erie Candidate Survey, Pennsylvania
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