Below is the statement from TPJ attorney Cristen Feldman. You can also read Public Citizen's media release and the complaint on the Public Citizen website . With the assistance of the National Association for Public Interest Law I made a commitment right out of law school to help rid the Texas judicial system of special interest money before I begin my career as a practicing attorney. Some friends have asked why I am so committed to this endeavor. The answer is simple.
Justice is in crisis in Texas.
The Texas justice system is inequitable, subject to occupation by the highest bidder, and unconstitutional. The amount of money the justices have raised in their most recent election cycles is staggering and illustrates a continuance of what is popularly known in Texas as Payola Justice. The current justices raised, on average, three dollars for every dollar raised by their primary and general election opponents combined. The appearance that justice is for sale in Texas is mushrooming. A mere one percent of lawyers surveyed last year say campaign contributions have no influence on judicial decision making.