Judge Susan Criss Interviewed on Burnt Orange Report

Judge Susan Criss was recently interviewed by Matt Glazer who serves as editor of one of Texas' larger blogs, The Burnt Orange Report.

It's a good interview and you should just go over there and read it by clicking HERE.

But I just wanted to underline something that I have not seen addressed yet. Judge Criss is running in the primary opposed by Apellate Court Judge Linda Yanez. I found this ironic, because from what I heard, Judge Criss was encouraging Yanez to run in another Supreme Court race, instead she opted to run in the race, Position 8, that Judge Criss had announced for.

Democrats could have picked up 2 seats if both judges were successful, now it's just one.

Here is what I want to emphasize: Glazer asked "What separates you from your Democratic Primary opponent Linda Yanez?"

To whch Judge Criss responded: "The first is my experience in the courtroom as a trial judge and a former prosecutor. I have both tried and presided over hundreds of trials. My primary opponent never served as trial court judge. Her judicial experience is on an appellate bench.

You do not have to be a former appellate or trial judge to be qualified to sit on the Texas Supreme Court. I believe ideally the Court should include lawyers, trial judges and appellate judges. Each group brings an important type experience to the Court. Appellate judges bring a scholarly ivory tower approach to the high Court. Lawyers and trial court judges bring their real world, in the trenches trial experience to the Court. Most of the Court's work involves reviewing trials and determining whether those trials were conducted fairly and according to the law. With the right to trial at risk now it is critical that a democratic trial judge and trial attorneys get on this court."

The second is our campaign styles. I am known for how incredibly hard I work on my campaigns. When I commit to run for elected office I commit to do everything within the law and ethical rules necessary to win. I believe in making all personal, emotional, financial and physical sacrifices demanded by the campaigns. I don't take vacations during campaigns. I believe that there is a high price to be paid financial and otherwise to run for office. I have seen too many candidates who want the job but want to get it at a discounted price. I pay the full price. I cannot imagine breaking through to win a statewide race by doing anything else."

Susan Criss is the right choice for State Supreme Court, in my humble opinion.