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| Bobbe Bridge (Incumbent) |
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| Candidate: State Supreme Court, Position 7 |
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| Bobbe Bridge |
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| Age: 55 |
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| Residence: Seattle |
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| Occupation: |
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Washington state Supreme Court justice |
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| Education: |
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B.A., political science, University of Washington; M.A., Ph.C., University of Michigan; J.D., University of Washington |
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| Campaign Web site: www.bobbebridge.com |
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| Campaign theme: |
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Enhancement of public trust and confidence in the judiciary. |
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| Rating: Exceptionally well-qualified |
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| 1. |
Do you support the current system of electing judges? Why, or why not? |
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Yes. Election of judges is an important part of our democratic process. Every day, judges make critical decisions affecting individual freedoms, rights and responsibilities. Just as people get to choose their elected leaders in the executive and legislative branches, they deserve a voice in selecting those who serve as judges. |
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| 2. |
Name a state Supreme Court ruling that you would have joined the majority on and explain why. |
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Parrish v. West Coast Hotel, upholding the constitutionality of a Washington statute requiring better wages and hours for women and children. The court respected and recognized the Legislature's policy-making role and its role as representatives of the people. The result was judicially sound as well as good public policy. |
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| 3. |
Name one where you would have dissented and explain why. |
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Monroe v. Tielsch, allowing police to retain arrest records of nonconvicted juveniles. The dissent raised principles still compelling today: that mere arrest should not brand juveniles into adulthood, and that even well-meaning record-keeping can dangerously invade everyone's privacy. These issues will continue to confront us into the 21st century. |
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| 4. |
Do you think judicial candidates should have more leeway in what they can say in a campaign, or do you support current restrictions? |
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I agree that judges should be more restricted than other candidates in what they say about issues as they campaign. I am happy to talk about my record. Judges must rule only on facts and law, without being influenced by bias or personal opinion, to ensure fair and impartial decision-making. |
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| 5. |
What is the biggest problem facing the state court system and how would you address it? |
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Many people see our courts as too slow, too expensive and overly complicated. We should run our courts more efficiently, eliminate unnecessary delays, reduce backlogs, have open, responsible access to public records, streamline procedures, simplify forms and provide clearer information to help people more easily navigate the judicial process. |
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