DANVILLE – The Mountour County D.A. has received a negative rating from the state bar, and she says it was expected. Montour County District Attorney Rebecca Warren was ‘not recommended’ as a candidate for state Supreme Court.
She says, “As a prosecutor, I have earned a reputation for being a champion of victims’ rights and for not being swayed by others. The PBA is a liberal organization that has a history of supporting criminals and opposing prosecutors.”
The Pennsylvania Bar Association annually scrutinizes candidates for statewide offices and the vast majority receive at least a ‘recommended’ statement. Warren was the only candidate to receive the “not recommended” rating. The commission stated they are concerned with the lack of depth of Warren’s appellate-level experience and they are also concerned if Warren possesses the temperament and demeanor required of an appellate court judge.
Warren said, “The fairness of the process utilized by the PBA is questionable, and concerns were previously expressed regarding the procedures employed… Fortunately, the opinion of one private interest group does not deter qualified and community-minded candidates such as myself from attempting to better our justice system and society.”
Warren says she stands firm on her qualifications and looks forward to speaking with the voters of Pennsylvania. You can read Warren’s full response below. (Codi Jade)
My response is as follows:
The lack of recommendation from the PBA was expected.As a prosecutor, I have earned a reputation for being a champion of victims’ rights and for not being swayed by others.The PBA is a liberal organization that has a history of supporting criminals and opposing prosecutors. In fact, last year I joined several other District Attorneys from throughout the Commonwealth in an informal boycott of the PBA by the non-payment of dues to show solidarity with law enforcement and prosecutors.
The fairness of the process utilized by the PBA is questionable, and concerns were previously expressed regarding the procedures employed. Current Supreme Court Chief Justice Saylor had previously received a not recommended rating from the PBA when he had run for an appellate position.
Fortunately, the opinion of one private interest group does not deter qualified and community-minded candidates such as myself from attempting to better our justice system and society.
Please note also, that other candidates may have received a “not recommended” rating as well.
In this PBA process every judicial election year, there are candidates who receive “not recommended” and withdraw from the race. In return for withdrawing, the PBA promises to not publish their “not recommended” rating. Of course, the public never knows this because the names of those candidates who caved to the pressure of a group of 18 people of the PBA are never made public. In essence, the PBA pressures you into dropping out.
I stand firm on my qualifications and look forward to speaking with the voters of Pennsylvania.
Rebecca