Not For Sale At Any Price

Here we are, less than 30 days from election day! Two months ago, I was an unknown. Today, I am the most villified woman in North Carolina, right up there with Katherine Harris. The nasty comments continue, but it's from the same old people, both on the left and the right. There is nothing that I can do or say to change their hearts and minds. So, unless they present something new, I am not going to spend any more of my time responding to the inane and hateful remarks.

The purpose of my website is to reach out to the voters who are not commited ideologues. For the great many of you who are in this category, I invite you to take a look at my website and to post any inquiries about the legal system or the law.

While driving around the Triangle this week, I noticed a great many political campaign signs on the road, many of them from judicial candidates. I also read an article in the Charlotte Observer where the topic of public financing for campaigns was discussed. The article indicated that at least five of the candidates in this race had accepted public financing. At least now we know how they are spending those taxpayer dollars!

When I entered my name for the race, the employees at the State Board of Elections made a point of telling me that a judicial candidate for the Supreme Court absolutely, positively cannot put out signs on the interstates and roadways. I am certain that the same advice was given to the other candidates, yet there the signs are. Either the candidates have intentionally or negligently disregarded the law or they have failed to instruct their supporters as to the requirements of the law.

My philosophy has always been that if a business or person can't do the little things right, then in all probability they cannot do bigger jobs correctly either. Would you allow a car mechanic to replace your engine when he/she cannot correctly change your oil?

Sure, yard signs and bumper stickers are nice. I know how the voters feel about them. But in reality, they don't do much in terms of winning elections. And when they are involuntarily paid for by the taxpayers or by citizens who do not agree with the positions endorsed, its worse. I have decided not to spend money on such frivolities because I don't want anyone out there to violate the law on my behalf. I think its more important to get people registered to vote and to enlighten them about the law, myself and my judicial philosophy.

I have one other point about public financing. From the news article, it explained how the purpose of public financing was to uphold the integrity of the judiciary by freeing judges from the odious task of asking for money. There are several problems with the financing system. In order to even qualify, candidates must raise a certain amount of money beforehand. The amount in question depends on the position sought. For the Supreme Court, a candidate must raise at least $35,000 to qualify. And the contributions must be raised from individuals in increments of no more than $500. How is a judge to raise this money? Why is it unseemly for a judge to ask for $500 from any one person, but it is improper to ask for further contributions once the $35,000 threshold is crossed? And its patently unfair. Some judicial candidates for one seat got $200,000 dollars, but other candidates had to split the available sum and got far less. And just what are they going to do with that money? Invest in yard signs? How does any candidate successfully reach the millions of voters across this state? When one considers the costs involved, the money is a paltry sum. You all, I'm sure, could make better use of your funds.

If you want people on the Supreme Court who cannot follow very simple instructions, vote for one of the others. If you want someone who will apply and follow the law take a look at me. And if you want to contribute to my campaign, I welcome the donation , but do not expect favorable or unfavorable rulings from me based on whether or not and in what sums you contributed. I cannot be bought or intimidated. I am not for sale at any price.

Best wishes,

Rachel Lea Hunter
Candidate for NC Supreme Court Associate Justice