Provide arguments that support the view that the process used by Texans for selecting judges is highly politicized

What will be an ideal response?

Answer:
A. Politicized nature of judges selection
1. selected through popular election in Texas
a. requires judges to identify with a political party
b. must participate in the campaign process
B. Framers of Texas constitution felt that politicizing selection of judges would make them more responsive to voters
1. this has actually increased judges to be more politically minded due to voter apathy
2. judges more political in their responsiveness to special interest groups since they are their biggest campaign contributors
C. Cost of judges campaigns have increased
1. raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for campaign ads
2. do not normally have name recognition
3. supreme court candidates raise over one million with the help of PACs
D. Scandals are a consequence of the politicized nature
1. 1980s scandal of allegations against Texas supreme court justices
2. accused of trading votes for campaign contributions
3. changing liability law in return for campaign contributions