Rule 4.2. Activities of Judges as Candidates

Activities of Judges as Candidates for Reappointment or Elevation to Higher Judicial Office A judge who is a candidate for reappointment or elevation to higher judicial office may: (a) communicate with the appointing or confirming authority, including any selection, screening, or nominating commission or similar agency; and (b) seek endorsements for the appointment from any person or organization other than a partisan political organization, provided that such endorsement or the request therefor would not appear to a reasonable person to undermine the judge’s independence, integrity or impartiality. (Effective Jan. 1, 2011.) COMMENT: (1) When seeking support or when communicating directly with an appointing or confirming authority, a judge must not make any pledges, promises, or commitments that are inconsistent with the impartial performance of the adjudicative duties of the office. See Rule 4.1 (a) (9). (2) It is never acceptable to seek an endorsement of an advocacy group or a group whose interests have or are likely to come before the judge.