State of Washington

Ethics Advisory Committee

Question

Is it proper for a judge to send a personal thank you letter for contributions made to the judge's campaign?

Answer

It is not proper for a judge to send a personal thank you letter for contributions made to the judge's campaign. CJC Canon 7(B)(2) allows judicial candidates to establish committees of responsible persons to secure and manage the expenditure of funds for their campaigns. The campaign committee may acknowledge the contribution with a thank you letter on the judge's behalf.

Also see Opinion 04-6.

Opinion 90-09

06/25/1990