BRANDON - Former Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Edwin Pittman says he appreciates the "respectful" tone of this year's judicial races, but he knows that could change as election day draws near.
"We do not have any hard-charging, underhanded campaigns right now. They've been conservative in nature," Pittman said. "Money is going to spent and there's going to be more activity in October."
He's probably right.
An arm of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the nation's best known business lobby, says Mississippi's elections are among several across the nation it's watching. The chamber has been pushing for federal and state legislation that limits jury awards in civil lawsuits.
Business and medical groups say large jury awards in civil cases ultimately make it difficult for them to work in the state. Trial lawyers and other opponents say the limits could hurt people who are damaged by faulty products or medical malpractice.
"The Supreme Court races that are going on in Mississippi this year are very important to the legal climate in the state. The business community at large across the country are paying very close attention to those races," said Sean McBride, a spokesman for the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform.
The Chamber spent millions of dollars in 2000 on television advertisements supporting judge candidates it considered pro-business in several states, including Mississippi.
McBride said his organization could possibly conduct voter education programs in Mississippi. He declined to elaborate on the programs.
"It could include television and radio where permissible. That doesn't mean that it will," McBride said.
There are four judicial races this year. One being closely watched is the post currently held by Supreme Court Justice James Graves. His leading challenger is Rankin County Circuit Judge Samac Richardson. The other two candidates in the race are Ceola James of Vicksburg and William Skinner of Raymond.
According to campaign finance reports through the end of June, Richardson's campaign received a $3,500 contribution from the Stop Lawsuit Abuse in Mississippi political action committee. He also received a $5,000 contribution from the Mississippi Physicians PAC. Richardson had some smaller contributions from attorneys, as well.
Graves' campaign finance reports show he's received hefty contributions from attorneys, including $5,000 each from Richard Scruggs of Pascagoula and Dennis C. Sweet III of Jackson, two of the state's top trial lawyers. He received some smaller donations from some physicians.
Neither candidate has received the support of the Mississippi Manufacturer's Association. MMA spokesman Mark Leggett said the organization has interviewed Graves, Richardson and Skinner, but its political action committee is waiting for more information before a decision is made.
"We look at their record. We are naturally very supportive of candidates who are interested in restraining the lawsuit abuse that we have become known for," Leggett said.
Pittman, who retired as chief justice this year, supports Graves. Pittman said he served 21/2 years with Graves on the Supreme Court. But years before, when Pittman was attorney general, he hired Graves as an assistant attorney general. Graves was a Hinds County circuit judge from 1991 to 2001.
"He has grown and matured in office. He's a recognized jurist around the U.S. He's often called on to speak at Harvard, Stanford and Syracuse," Pittman said.
W.D. Mounger, a Jackson businessman and longtime Republican fund-raiser who contributed to Richardson's campaign, said he has known the circuit judge for a long time.
"I'm looking for someone with a pro-business attitude that is not going to punish business terribly when you get the plaintiffs against them. Somebody who would be fair," Mounger said.
Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
