Huckleberries interviews Robyn Brody

You can read Betsy Russell’s profile of Robyn Brody here

• Huckleberries: What separates you from the other 3 candidates for this office?
• Brody: My connection to the people. I’ve spent my whole career representing people.

• Huckleberries: Is it an advantage or disadvantage being the only female in this race?
• Brody: There is some advantage to it. There’s a feel among people that not having a woman on the bench is something we need to address as a state.

• Huckleberries: You have been critical of the tenor and demeanor of the current Supreme Court. Can you explain your concern?
• Brody: It’s concerns that lawyers have raised with me throughout the state. Lawyers have told me that the (Idaho Supreme Court) courtroom tenor has been unnecessarily sharp and personal. A litigant called a week ago because he was upset that the court wouldn’t let his attorney talk.

• Huckleberries: How would you describe the other three people who are running for the office in five words or less?
• Brody: They have noble callings as legislators and attorneys general but I offer something better for the Supreme Court. It’s the connection to people and it’s the practitioner. I want a Supreme Court justice who understands the impact of the decisions they’re making and who comes from the trenches. I haven’t spent my career as a government lawyer.

• Huckleberries: You have raised $177,000 for your campaign, or more than twice as much as your 3 opponents combined. Where do you plan to spend it?
• Brody: I’m a complete novice at this campaigning business. Every bit is incredibly expensive. We’re going to focus on contacting people directly. We’ve done some direct mail pieces. I’ve been trying to hit every group I can.

• Huckleberries: How would you go about interpreting the law?
• Brody: Any time it comes to statutory construction, I’m all about the words. You construe the statute fairly and reasonably. The words matter. Does it make sense to the lady standing next to me in the grocery line? I look for enduring principles and making sure the words mean something — and not just what five justices say it means today.

• Huckleberries: Why is a trial attorney’s office in Rupert, Idaho, a good launching pad for a seat on the Supreme Court?
• Brody: In 20 years, I’ve seen so many different issues come up and worked for a broad range of people. Supreme Court is the stuff of daily life — contract, wills, torts, divorces, child custody matters. I have the widest background of any candidate in this race.

• Huckleberries: How would you describe your political leaning?
• Brody: The race is suppose to be nonpartisan but it certainly is political because it’s of the people.

• Huckleberries: I hear that you’re planning to visit Coeur d’Alene Friday. What is your itinerary?
• Brody: I’m going to spend much of the day with Prosecutor Barry McHugh, meeting people. At noon, I’m meeting with the Idaho Women Lawyers Group at the Coeur d’Alene Library. I’m going to spend the afternoon with Barry. We’re going to have a Meet & Greet at 5 o’clock at the Daft Badger Brewery.