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Judicial candidates’ appeals for campaign cash at high court

This undated photo shows Lanell Williams-Yulee. Voters in the Tampa area didn’t think much of Williams-Yulee’s campaign for county judge in 2010, and the group that regulates Florida’s lawyers didn’t much like Williams-Yulee’s campaign tactics. Along with a drubbing in the election, she was hauled before the Florida Bar for violating its ban on personally soliciting campaign contributions by sending a “Dear Friend” letter asking for money. (AP Photo/Tampa Tribune)
This undated photo shows Lanell Williams-Yulee. Voters in the Tampa area didn’t think much of Williams-Yulee’s campaign for county judge in 2010, and the group that regulates Florida’s lawyers didn’t much like Williams-Yulee’s campaign tactics. Along with a drubbing in the election, she was hauled before the Florida Bar for violating its ban on personally soliciting campaign contributions by sending a “Dear Friend” letter asking for money. (AP Photo/Tampa Tribune)

By Associated Press 2 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court is weighing whether candidates for elected judgeships have a constitutional right to make personal appeals for campaign cash.

The justices are hearing an appeal from Lanell Williams-Yulee of Tampa, Florida, who received a public reprimand for violating a Florida Bar rule that bans candidates for elected judgeships from personally soliciting donations.

The bar and many good government groups say the ban that is in place in Florida and 29 other states is important to preserve public confidence in an impartial judiciary.

A ruling for Williams-Yulee could free judicial candidates in those states to ask personally for campaign contributions.

In all, voters in 39 states elect local and state judges. In the federal judicial system, including the Supreme Court, judges are appointed to life terms and must be confirmed by the Senate.