ETHICS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
STATE OF WASHINGTON
OPINION NO. 86-9



QUESTION

     Is it proper for a judge to solicit volunteers to participate in the
judge’s reelection campaign from court personnel who work in the same court
as the judge sits?

     Is it proper for a judge to accept an unsolicited offer from court
personnel who work in the same court as the judge sits to volunteer in the
judge’s reelection campaign?  If yes, are there restrictions on the types
of activities in which these volunteer campaign workers may engage on the
judge’s behalf?

ANSWER

     It is not proper for a judge to solicit volunteers to participate in
the judge’s reelection campaign from court personnel who work in the same
court as the judge sits since it gives the appearance of exploiting the
judicial position and erodes the public confidence in the integrity of the
judiciary.  Canon 1 and Canon 2(A).

     It is proper for a judge to accept an unsolicited offer from court
personnel who work in the same court as the judge sits to volunteer in the
judge’s reelection campaign.

     Court personnel who do participate in a judge’s reelection campaign
should be informed by the judge that they are required to adhere to the
same standards of political conduct that apply to the judge.  CJC Canon
7(B)(1)(b).