by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
The race for four open judicial seats — one county and three circuit — is winding down and voters will go the polls Tuesday. Since the adoption of legislation passed earlier this year by the State Legislature and approved by Gov. Jeb Bush, the campaigns have been fast-paced.
A dozen local attorneys qualified for the four open seats and within just a couple of months well over $1 million has been raised. Last week, the Daily Record asked the candidates to tell us what they did to raise money and who are some of their key contributors. Not all of the candidates responded, but several did back to us.
“I have assembled a Finance Committee, co-chaired by David Barksdale and Bobby Stein, that consists of legal, business and civic leaders from across Duval County. My endorsements by Mayor John Peyton, State Attorney Harry Shorstein and the Fraternal Order of Police have given my Finance Committee the momentum needed to raise nearly $100,000 in only 40 days.
A representative sampling of my financial supporters includes: Graham Allen, Lanny Russell, Laurie DuBow, Sue Hightower and Tatiana Salvador.”
— Dawn Hudson,
County Court, Group 17
“An organization of family and friends have spearheaded my fundraising activities. In addition to sponsoring fundraising events, this organization has contacted individuals and businesses for monetary and in-kind contributions. I have been fortunate that many have been generous to my campaign, and I sincerely appreciate such generosity.”
— Virginia Norton,
County Court, Group 17
“When voting in the primary on September 5th, the voters should know that a Judge must avoid the appearance of being partial. My campaign has therefore limited contributions that could appear to be seeking favor. I have taken some contributions from individuals and businesses where a known potential conflict already exists that could cause the need to recuse myself, even without a campaign contribution. The campaign is mostly self-funded to avoid any appearances of partiality while on the bench.
I do not have businessmen, lawyers or politicos raising funds for my campaign as do others. One should wonder why so much money is being raised and contributed to a county judicial race and what possible influence such contributions may be seeking. I would encourage voters to look at the Election Supervisor’s Web site and see for themselves how the contributions flow.
The Jacksonville Association of Firefighters is a contributor that was earned. The Firefighters set up a 10-person panel that investigated and interviewed all the candidates in the County Judge, Group 17 race and endorsed me as the most knowledgeable, well-rounded and qualified candidate for the job with 21 years of experience in both civil and criminal law, practicing before the traffic, county, circuit, and appellate benches in Duval, Nassau, Clay, Baker, St. Johns, Volusia, Orange, Leon and various other counties in Florida.
I appreciate all of the supporters of my campaign. Ultimately, it is not about how much money you raise or who contributes, it is about who is best for the job. I hope that the Duval County voters will do their research to find out about my qualifications and experience at www.kevinsanders.com. I am ready to take the bench and owe no special favors when elected.”
— Kevin Sanders,
County Court, Group 17
“Your question is interesting in that it accepts as fact that political campaigns are expensive undertakings. A three-county judicial campaign is even more challenging because candidates are prohibited from raising their own money. When I decided to run, I turned first to my family, oldest friends from my youth, my church, and some of the many contacts I have made over the past 18 years in the state attorney’s office.
These individuals, who have become a great source of encouragement to me, have also spent many hours volunteering and fundraising for the campaign. To date the group has raised just over $100,000 in cash and in-kind donations, of which less than a third has come from the legal profession. I’m very proud of this statistic. I feel it reflects the broad base of support my campaign has received. From local police (Fraternal Order of Police, Duval Clay and Nassau and the Jacksonville Brotherhood of Police) and area sheriffs, former mayors and government leaders to local landscaper Al Ferraro, teacher Kim Collier, Dr. J. Whitworth and philanthropist Delores Barr Weaver, my experience has been recognized and my campaign supported.
Among the many attorneys who have donated, I believe that the support from Gary Pajcic is the most touching. Gary passed away shortly after he told me of his plans to support me. It is a testament to the man and his family that his commitment was kept by his heirs. I’m sure everyone understands why I am so appreciative.
Of course, on election night, we count votes…not dollars. I only hope that the money we’ve raised enables me to introduce myself and my qualifications to the voters of north Florida.”
— Libby Senterfitt,
Circuit Court, Group 33
“After practicing law for over 27 years, in courtrooms stretching from a county court of the 11th Circuit in Cutler Ridge, Fla. to the 11th District Court of Appeals in Atlanta, I’ve built a moderately successful practice. My campaign is being funded entirely out of my pocket.
My backers are long hours, an equal willingness to take the first or second chair, and the knowledge that the ethical and cordial practice of law pays-off financially and professionally.
Although offered (and needed), I’ve refused contributions from other members of the Bar in the belief that lawyers shouldn’t be asked to contribute to judicial campaigns.”
—Wes White,
Circuit Court, Group 34
“The ethical rules require judicial candidates to raise money for their campaign through a committee. My committee has sent out mailings, set-up some wonderful get-togethers and solicited potential supporters directly. I have had such an outpouring of support of all kinds, financially and otherwise, from so many people it would be unfair to name just a few but I would like to
Take this opportunity to ‘Thank them all for their support.’ Their faith in my ability to be a good judge has carried me through the hard work of this campaign.”
— David L. Thompson,
Circuit Court, Group 34
“I’ve been blessed to have a finance committee comprised of prominent members of the legal and business community. Their efforts on my behalf have been overwhelming. They have made phone calls, sent out letters, and worked tirelessly to ensure that I have the funds necessary to run a successful campaign. Among my campaign contributors are the Fraternal Order of Police for Duval County, the Jacksonville Association of Professional Firefighters, Lanny Russell, Doug Baer and Tim Kelly.”
— Thereasa Hunnewell-McCaulie, Circuit Court, Group 35