That's the title of an editorial in Saturday's San Antonio Express-News. LINK
When the November elections arrive, most voters will focus on the top of the ballot, especially the fierce battle for president.
But, when they scroll down further, they will confront other important choices — choices that are also vital to our democracy.
Among those choices will be the candidates seeking election or re-election to state and local judicial posts.
Why bother to worry about races that lack the excitement of the presidential campaign?
The answer comes from Collin County in East Texas.
Verla Sue Holland is a former district judge from Collin County. Tom O'Connell Jr. is a former Collin County district attorney. An affidavit filed by a former Collin County assistant district attorney over the summer alleges the two were engaged in a relationship for years during which O'Connell prosecuted cases in Holland's court. According to subsequent media reports, the alleged affair was commonly known.
The possibility that a prosecutor might have literally been in bed with a judge raises serious questions about the impartiality of justice dispensed in Holland's courtroom. Scores of convictions may now be challenged at great expense to taxpayers. Victims and their families will have to wait and may eventually be denied justice.
The biggest loss, however, is to the integrity of the judicial system.
Earlier coverage begins with this post.
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