cuchulainn
May 7, 2003, 06:38 PM
from A.P. (via the Penn Live site)
http://pennlive.com/newsflash/pa/index.ssf?/newsflash/get_story.ssf?/cgi-free/getstory_ssf.cgi?d0546_BC_PA--JudicialDebate&&news&newsflash-pennsylvaniaDemocratic candidates for high court spar at debate
By PETER JACKSON
The Associated Press
5/7/03 5:14 PM
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) -- Freed from a ban on political speech that stifled past judicial campaigns, five local judges competing for the Democratic nomination for an open seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court expressed diverse opinions Thursday on issues ranging from abortion to the death penalty.
All the candidates stressed that the state's highest court decides questions of law rather than setting policy, and that voters should assess their experience, temperament and other personal qualities.
But the first question of the debate asked their positions on abortion and gun control. And for the most part, they gave direct answers.
Philadelphia County Judge John W. Herron and Allegheny County Judge Max Baer said they support abortion rights and favor limited controls on gun owners' rights to prevent the use of assault weapons by criminals.
Cheryl Allen, an Allegheny County judge who specializes in juvenile cases, said she supports controls on juveniles' access to guns. Allen acknowledged afterward that, "I guess people would consider me pro-life," but she hedged on the abortion question during the debate, which was taped by the Pennsylvania Cable Network and is expected to air several times before the May 20 primary election.
"I'm concerned with life before the child is born," she said. "I'm also concerned about the quality of life after the child is born."
James Murray Lynn, a Philadelphia County judge, said he owns a handgun and supports gun owners' rights with restrictions aimed at keeping guns out of the hands of criminals. He declined to discuss a woman's right to terminate her pregnancy, but said scientists do not know exactly when life begins.
The government, he said, should "give the benefit of doubt to life."
Philadelphia Municipal Judge James M. DeLeon III did not take positions on the issues, saying only that he would base his decisions on whatever laws the General Assembly enacts.
<snipped> non gun stuff (see link above for rest)
http://pennlive.com/newsflash/pa/index.ssf?/newsflash/get_story.ssf?/cgi-free/getstory_ssf.cgi?d0546_BC_PA--JudicialDebate&&news&newsflash-pennsylvaniaDemocratic candidates for high court spar at debate
By PETER JACKSON
The Associated Press
5/7/03 5:14 PM
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) -- Freed from a ban on political speech that stifled past judicial campaigns, five local judges competing for the Democratic nomination for an open seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court expressed diverse opinions Thursday on issues ranging from abortion to the death penalty.
All the candidates stressed that the state's highest court decides questions of law rather than setting policy, and that voters should assess their experience, temperament and other personal qualities.
But the first question of the debate asked their positions on abortion and gun control. And for the most part, they gave direct answers.
Philadelphia County Judge John W. Herron and Allegheny County Judge Max Baer said they support abortion rights and favor limited controls on gun owners' rights to prevent the use of assault weapons by criminals.
Cheryl Allen, an Allegheny County judge who specializes in juvenile cases, said she supports controls on juveniles' access to guns. Allen acknowledged afterward that, "I guess people would consider me pro-life," but she hedged on the abortion question during the debate, which was taped by the Pennsylvania Cable Network and is expected to air several times before the May 20 primary election.
"I'm concerned with life before the child is born," she said. "I'm also concerned about the quality of life after the child is born."
James Murray Lynn, a Philadelphia County judge, said he owns a handgun and supports gun owners' rights with restrictions aimed at keeping guns out of the hands of criminals. He declined to discuss a woman's right to terminate her pregnancy, but said scientists do not know exactly when life begins.
The government, he said, should "give the benefit of doubt to life."
Philadelphia Municipal Judge James M. DeLeon III did not take positions on the issues, saying only that he would base his decisions on whatever laws the General Assembly enacts.
<snipped> non gun stuff (see link above for rest)