When they buy a car, they look for the best car. He has expressed interest to GOP leaders in becoming a judge but has never been tapped. Some believe the blatantly political nature of the selection process and necessarily close ties between political leaders and judges can create an appearance of impropriety in an arena that demands nonpartisan justice. At induction ceremonies, for example, judges routinely thank their political leaders first and foremost. But many jurists, including some of the most well-respected, make no apologies and say there is no conflict.
Judges are where they are because of a political organization.
No judge gets him or herself elected on their own. The chairman makes recommendations to the county executive committee, and if he doesn't, it probably won't happen. There's nothing wrong with publicly thanking the chairman. County Court judges, elected separately in Nassau and Suffolk, handle felony criminal cases during their 10-year terms, and earn the same salary. There is no legal qualification other than membership in the bar and 10 years as a practicing attorney.