February 10-16, 2005

political notebook

Passing Judgment

by Mary F. Patel

Come election season, there will be seven open judgeships in Common Pleas Court, three in Municipal Court and one in Traffic Court because many sitting judges have passed the mandatory retirement age of 70. There are an additional 11 Common Pleas Court judges up for retention along with eight in Municipal Court and one in Traffic Court. (Voters are asked a yes-or-no ballot question to determine whether those judges should keep their seat.)

Democratic City Committee officials said that there are as many as 40 candidates interested in the positions. Although there are no explicit rules for selecting candidates, the Democratic Party prefers a diversified slate that includes minorities and women.

Judicial candidates don't have it easy. Not only do they have to curry favor with both the Democratic and Republican parties for endorsements, but they have to charm leaders in all of the 69 Democratic wards and 68 Republican wards. It can be as exhausting as it is expensive.

They also must contend with the Philadelphia Bar Association (PBA) which has a set of rules for potential judges and has often been at odds with party leaders on the nomination process. Andrew Chirls, the new PBA chancellor, said he intends to talk with Democratic City Committee Chairman Bob Brady about creating a unified endorsement, an endeavor Chirls called "challenging."

"We have heard from 35 lawyers" seeking recommendations, Chirls said. The PBA vetting process for judicial candidates is detailed and lengthy. An investigative panel researches the candidates' backgrounds and interviews them.

"Many drop out when they see they are not recommended," Chirls notes.

As for the judges who are up for retention — among them are state Supreme Court Justices Russell Nigro and Sandra Schultz Newman — Chirls said lawyers who spend time in those judges' courtrooms discuss their merits.

Sitting judges seeking retention do not actively campaign but do attend some political events as they get closer to the general election. Traffic Court judges do not fall under the purview of the PBA since they don't need to be lawyers to serve.

Under the Hill

It looks like Republicans will run Hillel Levinson for City Controller. Sources say that the two-term managing director under the late Democratic Mayor Frank Rizzo who has been making the rounds to look for support from Republicans, is their choice. Local GOP honchos are also expected to choose their nominee for district attorney during a meeting today at party General Counsel Michael Meehan's office.