If you are a Tennessee voter, you need to know a little about judicial retention elections this year. Normally judicial retention elections are largely overlooked by most voters. Many voters do not know the judges whose names appear on the ballot every few years and may have never even heard their names. The fact is, Tennesseans have a host of excellent judges who have demonstrated their dedication to following the rule of law without regard to political persuasion or any other factors that have no place in the judicial process.
This year, a vocal minority of activist state legislators have launched a misinformation campaign attacking several of our very best judges as part of their ill informed plan to hand pick their own buddies for these important judicial positions. These legislators have openly said they want to politicize the judiciary in Tennessee.
For me, I do not want to have to worry about whether I am in part of the judge’s political party when I go to court. Americans have the right to expect the judge in their case to rule based upon the facts and law – not politics. However, if these legislators have their way, politics – not the facts or law – will be more likely to determine the outcome in your case than any other factor.
Do not be deceived by these tactics. These legislators have admitted on camera to intentionally publishing false information as part of their campaign against these judges. Please take a minute and learn about these judges so you can make your own decision to retain our great judges when you go to cast your ballot at the ballot box based on the facts and not some biased lawmaker's fiction.
Keep politics out of the process – vote to retain on election day. The Tennessee Courts website is a great starting point.
Barry L. Abbott