>"Giving money to a judge's campaign means you're
>less likely to get screwed
. A $1,000
>contribution isn't going to buy special
>treatment. It's just a hedge against bad things happening."
<http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-na-vegas8jun08,1,1998678.story?coll=la-headlines-frontpage>http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-na-vegas8jun08,1,1998678.story?coll=la-headlines-frontpage
From the Los Angeles Times
JUICE VS. JUSTICE | A TIMES INVESTIGATION
In Las Vegas, They're Playing With a Stacked Judicial Deck
Some judges routinely rule in cases involving friends, former clients and business associates -- and in favor of lawyers who fill their campaign coffers. By Michael J. Goodman and William C. Rempel Times Staff Writers
June 8, 2006
LAS VEGAS When Judge Gene T. Porter last ran for reelection, a group of Las Vegas lawyers sponsored a fundraiser for him at Big Bear in California. Even by Las Vegas standards, it was brazen. Some of the sponsors had cases before him. One case was set for a crucial hearing in four days.
"A Lavish Buffet Dinner will be catered By Big Bear's Premier Restaurant," invitations to Porter's fundraiser said. "There will be Food, Fun, Libations
a 7:30 p.m. Sunset Cruise on the Big Bear Queen
a Zoo Tour for the Little Ones." Porter, 49, a Nevada state judge, attended. The evening blossomed into a festival of champagne, lobster and money. Organizers said guests contributed nearly $30,000, dropping much of it into a crystal punch bowl.
Some lawyers considered it protection against ill fortune. Robert D. Vannah, a sponsor of the fundraiser whose firm had the hearing scheduled in Porter's courtroom in four days, would later explain his donation this way: "Giving money to a judge's campaign means you're less likely to get screwed . A $1,000 contribution isn't going to buy special treatment. It's just a hedge against bad things happening."
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