Committee tells candidates they should consciously avoid campaigning that may mislead voters

The committee received a complaint in early October from a judicial candidate, alleging misleading campaigning by the other candidate in the race.

One concern expressed was that the other candidate's claim of a certain amount of “legal experience” included time in law-related activities before admission to the bar. The other concern was that the lack of the words “vote” or “elect” on some campaign materials with the title of the office being sought may create the incorrect impression that the candidate already holds that office.

Some committee members were concerned about one issue, others were concerned about the other, and some were concerned about both, but there was no overall consensus among the committee members. The committee did not feel that the matter called for a press release, but told the candidates in a letter that its main concern is that judicial candidates consciously avoid campaigning that may mislead voters.