THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, June 27, 1996 TAG: 9606270010
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 32 lines
I read with interest your recent editorial (June 14th) accusing me of bad sportsmanship for criticizing Judge-elect Joe Canada. He had allowed his name to be used on an invitation to a partisan political fund-raiser after being elected by the General Assembly but before being sworn in.
You imply that I initiated the story. In fact however, I knew nothing of the situation until your reporter called and asked me if I thought this political use of a judge-elect's name was appropriate.
I strongly believe that those who are elected by the General Assembly to be judge - be they Democrats, Republicans or Independents - should refrain from such political activities before they take office.
As for my supposed eagerness to criticize Republican Joe Canada, you should know that I suggested to your reporter that, before writing the story, he check to make sure that the use of Joe Canada's name was not a mistake.
No one I know of is trying to spoil Joe Canada's special day, as you suggest. I supported Joe Canada'a desire to become a judge. I feel confident he will be an excellent judge. But his mistake in judgment, allowing the political use of his name, has demonstrated to me the need for a change in the Canons of Judicial Conduct to make it clear that what he did is not appropriate for any judge-elect, regardless of his of her political affiliation.
JAMES F. ALMAND
Delegate 47th House District
Arlington, June 18, 1996 by CNB