High court hopefuls debate

BOISE – The two competing candidates for the Idaho Supreme Court clashed over everything from the state’s judicial selection process to political influence on the court, in a debate broadcast live Thursday night on Idaho Public Television.

District Judge John Bradbury, of Lewiston, the challenger, said, “It’s who you know to get an appointment” to state judicial positions, and suggested that’s why the court lacks diversity. Incumbent Justice Joel Horton responded, “That’s an absurd proposition,” and said the state Judicial Council focuses on “the merits and qualifications of the individuals.”

Horton was appointed to the court in September by Gov. Butch Otter after review by the council, and now is standing for election. Bradbury has called for an end to appointed judges running to succeed themselves, and wants all judgeships decided in open elections.

Bradbury also suggested political influence may have been a factor in the high court taking more than 17 years to decide a school facilities funding lawsuit. Horton responded that he’s sat on about 100 cases in his time on the court so far, and “never once” did political pressures influence a decision.

The debate can be viewed online at www.idahoptv.org. The election is May 27.