Candidates upset with antics by 3rd parties

The Clarion-Ledger, 10/28/8

Both state Supreme Court Justice Ann Lamar and her opponent, Gene Barton, decry what’s happened these days to judicial campaigns, where third parties are spending thousands of dollars to influence voters.

The fact third party groups can use her name and photograph in advertisements without her consent “is frightening,” said Lamar, 56, who was appointed last year by Gov. Haley Barbour to replace outgoing Justice Kay Cobb.

Lamar and Barton spoke Monday to The Clarion-Ledger editorial board.

Barton said political action committees are corrupting the judicial system. “Big PACs pick candidates that favor their interests,” said the 55-year-old Okolona lawyer.