The winner in this race will run against the Republican nominee in November.ĭistrict Judge, 234th Judicial District: Lauren Reeder Harris County voters will be in good hands regardless of who wins this primary, but our vote goes to Dollinger. In the last 10 years, the Emory University School of Law graduate has donated over 1,000 hours of his time to help people who could not afford a lawyer. Dollinger, 56, promises to check his biases at the door and not treat the law as a cafeteria line selecting only the jurisprudence that he likes. Although Dollinger's legal experience is narrower in content, he's gained the distinction of being board certified in his field. But decide we must, and Scot "dolli" Dollinger stands out for the intangible attributes of focus and advocacy that he exhibited during the screening.įred Cook has the advantage of a broader legal background, having tried banking, bankruptcy, construction, contract disputes, insurance, oil and gas, real estate and trust cases, while Dollinger's practice revolves around personal injury suits in which he has represented both insurance companies and plaintiffs. Both men are qualified, possess the appropriate temperament for the bench and appear to be in the race for reasons of public service. The candidates for the Democratic nomination for this seat are among the most affable and personable of any whom we have screened. UNTERMEYER: Nonpartisan election of judges puts emphasis on justice, not politicsĭistrict Judge, 189th Judicial District: Scot "dolli" Dollinger The winner will face Republican incumbent Judge Michael Landrum in November. In addition, the earnest and idealistic Kelsey displays an unwarranted confidence in his own ability to reshape the civil court system in Harris County. The voters of Harris County deserve judges who soar above the minimum requirements, not ones who barely squeak over the bar. A candidate must be licensed for four years and Kelsey was admitted to the bar on Novemexactly four years before Election Day. Her opponent, Cooke Kelsey, barely meets the minimum statutory requirements to serve as a judge. She also earns high marks on her ability to communicate courteously and clearly, important skills for an effective civil district court judge. A graduate of the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Collier has practiced for more than a decade, currently specializing primarily in civil litigation, and has brought a considerable number of jury trials to verdict. To put it simply, Rabeea Collier, 35, has the requisite experience to serve on this bench. Voters should cast their ballots for the more seasoned candidate in this primary contest. SELECTING JUDGES: The process that results in top judges being swept off the bench needs to come to an endĭistrict Judge, 113th Judicial District: Rabeea Collier The winner will face Republican incumbent Judge Jeff Shadwick in the general election. Simon has the makings of an excellent judge and should run again. Payne, 43, was a meter hurdles track champion in college, and Democratic voters should unite to help her surmount the hurdle of this primary.
#LAUREN REEDER PROFESSIONAL#
Ultimately, we found Payne's professional drive more compelling. Simon has a near perfect judicial demeanor, while Lewis is a dynamic advocate. We could go back and forth about the candidates' varied but cogent virtues. Simon worked his way through college and the South Texas College of Law Houston, and has had an outstanding legal career as well. Payne was raised in Acres Homes, graduated from the University of Texas Law School and went onto become a partner at a major Houston firm. What's more: Both candidates displayed a clear understanding of the present inefficiencies of this court and suggested thoughtful ways to improve them. Both candidates have devoted significant volunteer time to helping indigent people secure needed legal representation. Both Payne and her opponent, Paul Simon, have spent 18 years practicing law and each has attained excellence in their respective careers. Our nod goes to Latosha Lewis Payne in this coin toss race. GOP: Endorsements for the civil district court Republican primary racesĭistrict Judge, 55th Judicial District: Latosha Lewis Payne