Los Angeles herald., 1908-05-17
WORKS FAVORITE
IN CLOSE RACE
YOUNG ATTORNEY SEEKING
JUDGESHlP
MAY BE NAMED TO SUCCEED THE
LATE 3. N. SMITH
6radner Lee Says He Is Not candi-
date for PosItIon-Bowen 10
a Strong Con-
tender

Although no dord has come as yet
from Governor Gillett as to the sue
cessor of Judge b. N. Smith on the SUI
perlor court BENCH attorneys In general
believe that the race lies between At
torneys C. c. Bowen and Lewis K.
Works. Both have strong backing, al
though 1t is believed that Attorney
Works will be able to bring to bear OH
the governor the strongest pressure.
One of the partners of Attorney
Works is Judge John d. Works, his
father. at one time justice OF the state
supreme court and regarded as one or
the leading attorneys of the state. The
other partner in the firm Of Works, Lee
& Works is Bradner w. Lee, chairman
OF the Republican county committee
and one of the most influential workers
for the Republican organization IN
Southern California. 1t also is said
Works has behind his candidacy Judge
j. w. Mckinley, attorney in this city
for the Southern Pacific railroad. In
addition to this array Attorney Works
is looked upon as one of the most cap
able of the younger attorneys of this
city. He now occupies a position as
deputy city attorney and is looked upon
with favor by many practitioners be-
fore the bar, young and old.
The name Of Bradner w Lee was
mentioned for the judgeship without
mined effort was made to gain his con-
sent to enter his name in the race.
6radner Lee Not In Race
II was surprised when 1 saw my
name mentioned in the papers," said
Mr.. Lee yesterday. Later good many
of my friends and a number of attor-
neys here came to me and assured me
that l would be given the vacant seat
on the bench If l would submit my
name. I thought the matter over and
concluded that I could not afford to
leave my practice at this time for a
temporary position on the bench. If I
were appointed 1t might mean defeat
at coming election and then the start
ing In on my practice all over again.
] often have thought that I would like
to have a seat on the bench at some
time in my career, but I do not believe
that this Is the proper time for me to
come forward. / was not a candidate
In the beginning and am not a candi-
date now"
Would you accept a place on the
bench IL the governor offered 1t TO
you?" he was asked.
II do not think I would" was the
reply. Not at this time. l do not feel
that it would be the wise thing for me
to do. However. considering the fact
that have not submitted my name nor
entered the race it is highly improbable
that any such offer will be made to
me-"
Attorney C. C. Bowen, who has been
a strong candidate for a seat on the
superior bench for several years, is
again actively at work in the hope that
he will land the vacant seat. He Is
working hard both here and at Sacra-
mento. IL Attorney Works fails 1t is
said that Bowen may have good
chance.
Attorney Frank Willis of the firm OF
Davis. Rush G. Willis is another can
didate. Willis served for several years
in the district attorneys office and is
thoroughly conversant with criminal
law. He has made many friends in this
county and has an enviable record as a
member of the bar. Willis is said to
have chance.
Former Superior Court Judge George
A. Gibbs of Pasadena also is actively in
the field. His chances. it is said. have
been marred by his affiliations with the
Lincoln Roosevelt Republican league,
although a compromise between the
two factions in the party may land the
judge again on the bench. He was on
the bench before as an appointee of
Governor Pardee when the number of
superior court judges in this county
was increased from six to nine.