BLOGSUNNYSIDE VOTERS’ GUIDE: STATE SUPREME COURT

There are multiple State Supreme Court Justice positions on the ballot, with most of them being settled during the primary election.  However, there is one race of concern I will weigh in on here:

Judicial Position 6 (Non-partisan office)

• √ Richard B. Sanders
• Charlie Wiggins

I have had the pleasure of seeing Justice Sanders speak on two occasions.  The first time was in Yakima, and then more recently at the Washington State Republican Party Convention in Vancouver.  Despite his position being non-partisan he enjoys bi-partisan support from many Democrats and Republicans.  In addition, both the Washington State Republican and Libertarian Parties support his candidacy.  There is no one on the Supreme Court that has demonstrated a stronger concern for protecting and maintaining individual rights.  Sanders has written more opinions (and more dissenting opinions) than any other justice on the court.  He has a strong record of defending property taxes, and promotes the reading of the Washington State Constitution everywhere he goes.

Charlie Wiggins is challenging Sanders.  He expresses concern for judicial ethics, but wishes to have the taxpayers fund campaigns for justices.  He has attempted to smear the character of Sanders for a “scandal” promoted by political opponents.  Wiggins does not make any promises about protecting or maintaining individual freedoms.  Wiggins has the support of unions, women’s groups, and what he calls LGBT leaders.

Related Articles

• The Times recommends re-election of Richard Sanders to the state Supreme Court (seattletimes.nwsource.com)