Undignified Political Campaigns

As we approach the 2013 primary election, signs have sprung up in our beighborhoods with the slogan "Jen for Judge", referring to Attorney Jennifer Satler, a former failed candidate for the same office of Judge of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.  She was rated "Not Recommended" by the Allegheny County Bar Association in her 2011 bid for a seat, a wise call.

Apparently Ms Satler considers the office so trivial as to use only her nickname as she seeks to win the race, targeting voters that are not serious about electing a person that will bring the proper respect and decorum to this important office.  I do not want to think of a Common Pleas Court Judge as "Jen", rather as "Your Honor".

In recent history, there have been many campaigns in which "catchy" and "cute" have overtaken respect for the office, but this has not often been the case in judicial contests.  One notable exception was the candidacy some years ago of Squirrel Hill Attorney Dan Butler, who attempted to win solely through comedy, airing television mini-skits with the slogan, "The Butler Did It".  Thankfully, he did not come close to securing a seat on the bench. 

I will not be voting for "Jen" and most likely would not cast a ballot in a judicial race for someone made known to the electorate solely as "Butch" or "Lefty" either. 

I want a serious candidate that has the regard for the judicary that is merited. 

"Jen"'s promotions make a case for merit selection of judges so that the candidates need not shed their dignity in seeking popular appeal.