RCBA's Position on Judicial Elections

Ramsey County Bar Association Judicial Election Campaign Conduct Committee

At its May meeting, the Ramsey County Bar Association (RCBA) Board of Directors approved the creation of a Judicial Election Campaign Conduct Committee. The committee has been formed to monitor and comment on judicial campaign conduct for the purpose of encouraging responsible campaign behavior, assisting voters to reach an informed decision on the candidates for judicial office and supporting appropriate conduct by individuals running for judicial office.

The committee will ask candidates to sign an Affirmation regarding their campaign practices. It may also educate candidates regarding appropriate campaign conduct, advise candidates on the appropriateness of specific advertisements, help opposing candidates reach agreement about appropriate behavior, and, if necessary, make public statements criticizing inappropriate conduct by candidates. The committee will not endorse the election of any individual candidate or group of candidates.

A committee of eleven members was appointed by RCBA President, Charles Clippert. Lawyer members include, Committee Chair, David Schultz, Bridgid Dowdal, Joe Dudley, Juan Hoyos, Phil Kohls, Trevor Oliver, Mark Olshansky and Patrick Ostergren. Non-lawyer members include, Sarah Kinney, Linda Kohl and Carl Kuhrmeyer.

Bylaws of the Committee
Procedures for the Committee
Affirmation