In the Pennsylvania contest discussed in this space Apr. 4, their efforts fizzled, with candidate Jim Haggerty placing third in the field. (Michael P. Buffer, “Baker cuts a wide swath”, Wilkes Barre Times-Leader, May 18). And Texas Shark Watch, devoted to this subject (see Jan. 17), reports that trial lawyers were largely unsuccessful this year in Lone Star State GOP primary contests despite pumping in a good bit of money: four plaintiff’s lawyers slated as candidates went down to defeat. Two lawyer-backed incumbents held on, but would probably have won in any case (Apr. 5, Apr. 12).
Update: trial lawyers in GOP primaries
In the Pennsylvania contest discussed in this space Apr. 4, their efforts fizzled, with candidate Jim Haggerty placing third in the field. (Michael P. Buffer, “Baker cuts a wide swath”, Wilkes Barre Times-Leader, May 18). And Texas Shark Watch, devoted to this subject (see Jan. 17), reports that trial lawyers were largely unsuccessful this year […]
One Comment
Like any powerful lobby, the plaintiffs’ bar must be seeing the value of securing multiple beach heads. They own the Democrats, so why not make inroads with the Republicans? It’s a good strategy, of course, but I wonder if folks like Charles Lewis of the Center for Public Integrity will take note of the obvious conflict of interest that occurs when lawmakers who have a direct financial interest in an unreformed tort system are also… standing in the way of that very reform. But claim to be fighting “for the people,” I suppose, and you can convince lots of people to look the other way.