I’ve decided not to run for judge
I am writing to advise you and the people of Warren County I have decided not to run for the office of Circuit Court Judge.
After thinking long and hard about this matter I feel, at this time, it is not likely I would be elected. I, like most of us living in Van Buren County, lack the financial resources to run a professional campaign. Furthermore, I have pledged not to accept any campaign contributions. Without adequate finances, I would not likely succeed.
My offer to the voters would have been a judge that would be fair, impartial and honest; a judge that would not be swayed by influence, politics or emotion; a judge that would scrupulously follow the law and uphold the Constitutions of the United States of America and the state of Tennessee; and a judge that would treat all litigants with respect.
These are things you should expect from a judge, not just things you should hope for. Keep this in mind when you vote for one of the remaining candidates.
In my opinion, a judgeship should be considered a public service job. People in rural Tennessee need justice just like anyone else. Since most of the citizens of this area lack the financial resources to appeal lower court decisions, it is especially important the lower courts make the correct rulings the first time. Those decisions must be made on the basis of the rule of law applied to the facts of the case and no other consideration. Think of this when you vote.
Theoretically justice is blind. It should and must be. A rich man and a poor man should stand on equal footing in court. Your race, religion, gender or political affiliation should not be weighed for or against you when you seek justice.
Lastly, you should not ask for or expect any special treatment by the court. When I ran for General Sessions Judge four years ago, some people asked me if I would give them special treatment in return for their votes and support. By the time I ended my conversation with those people, I am quite confident I did not get their votes or support.
Justice abhors special treatment. Special treatment results in injustice. We should not tolerate injustice.
When you vote, you may wish to vote for the family, the smiling face, the big-sign candidate, the pretty-sign candidate, the hometown candidate, the front-runner candidate, the best looking candidate, the slick campaign candidate, etc., but when you vote for judge, any judge, stop, think, and vote for the candidate that is most likely to provide justice. If that person is elected, we will all be winners.
J. Al Johnson
HC69 Box 25
Spencer