By Kurt Kuhn

Great news!

The State Bar of Texas judicial poll results are in, and I am honored to have been overwhelmingly voted “best qualified” in the race for the Third Court of Appeals by my fellow attorneys!

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every attorney who cast a ballot in my favor. I’d also like to recognize my supporters who encouraged their colleagues to vote in the poll as well. As a result of your strong belief in my candidacy, I received more votes than both Republican candidates combined.

This poll validates what I have stated since I announced my candidacy in 2008: I am the best qualified candidate for this vitally important court. My career has been dedicated to our Texas appellate courts. I am the only candidate who is board-certified in civil appellate law, and the only candidate with significant civil and criminal appellate experience.

These results remind me why I entered this challenging race in the first place: because justice matters to the people of Central Texas. If given the opportunity to serve, I will work tirelessly, apply the law evenhandedly, and never forget the importance of each opinion to the parties, their counsel, and the jurisprudence of the state. The Third Court of Appeals’ current backlog is unacceptable, and I will work to end it. And I will staunchly defend the right to trial and the proper role of our courts.

While I am humbled by these results, there is still much work to be done before November 2nd, and I can’t do it without your support. Once again, thank you so much for your votes, and thank you for your belief in my campaign.

Our campaign’s press release is below:

Kurt Kuhn Voted “Best Qualified” In Judicial Poll
Third Court Candidate Tops All Other Opponents Combined

Austin, Texas — The Kurt Kuhn campaign announced today that Kuhn has been voted “Best Qualified” in the State Bar of Texas judicial poll by his fellow attorneys. Kuhn, the Democratic candidate for the Third Court of Appeals, received more votes than both Republican candidates combined. These results demonstrate that attorneys who know the importance of the Third Court recognize that Kuhn is the most experienced and capable candidate for the job.

“I am honored to be voted ‘best qualified’ by my fellow attorneys,” stated Kuhn. “It is humbling to know that an overwhelming number of leaders in the legal community view me as the best person for this vitally important court.”

Kuhn’s legal career has been dedicated to the Texas appellate courts. Kuhn is the only candidate who is board-certified in civil appellate law, and the only candidate with significant civil and criminal appellate experience. He chairs the appellate practice group at Brown McCarroll and teaches appellate advocacy at the University of Texas School of Law. Previously, Kuhn worked as an assistant solicitor general, representing the State of Texas in complex civil and criminal appeals.

The nonpartisan judicial poll, conducted each election cycle by the State Bar of Texas, gives the legal community the opportunity to let the general public know who it deems to be most qualified. The poll was both emailed and mailed to every attorney in good standing with the State Bar whose preferred address is within the 24 counties of the Third Court district. During the month-long voting period, Kuhn received 803 votes. As for the other candidates, Melissa Goodwin received 448 votes and Scott Field 304.

Kuhn’s showing in the poll was bolstered by the extensive list of attorneys who have publicly endorsed his campaign. Over 450 leaders in the Central Texas legal community are supporting Kuhn, due to his experience, qualifications, and dedication to our Texas appellate courts.

Previously, Kuhn earned the endorsements of the nonpartisan Austin Black Lawyers Association and Hispanic Bar Association of Austin. He was also rated “Highly Qualified” by the nonpartisan Austin Womens’ Political Caucus.

Kuhn is unopposed in the Democratic primary, and has led all candidates in fundraising on all finance reports filed thus far. He is running for Place 4 on the court, which will be vacated by Justice Jan Patterson at the end of her term.