Kurt Kuhn Tops $240,000 Raised for Campaign
Third Court Candidate Continues Strong Fundraising

Austin, Texas—Kurt Kuhn, Democratic nominee for the Third Court of Appeals, announced today that he has raised a total of $241,520.82 during his campaign.  On the campaign finance report filed last week with the Texas Ethics Commission, Kuhn showed $121,370.84 raised over the past six months.  He reported cash on hand of $126,904.25.

“I have made a commitment to campaign across all 24 counties of the Third Court’s district, because the voters deserve it,” said Kuhn.  ”But that requires us to raise the resources necessary to get our message out to a large part of Central and West Texas.  I’m very grateful for the generous support we’ve received so far, and I look forward to continuing to build momentum towards November.”

Over the past six months, the Kuhn campaign received 423 donations from 375 individual donors, for an average of $286.93 per contribution.  Overall, Kuhn has received support from 819 donors during his campaign.

Kuhn attributes his fundraising success to the broad appeal of his campaign.  “Our fundraising report reflects support from every sector of the legal community,” said Kuhn.  “And we’ve also reached out beyond the legal community, to regular citizens who understand that the Third Court decides cases that impact the entire state.”

Contributors to Kuhn’s campaign represent all areas of legal practice, including civil attorneys, criminal defense attorneys, prosecutors, and government agency attorneys.  Law firms supporting Kuhn range from the state’s largest to solo practitioners. Kuhn’s report also reflects that he is receiving financial support from prominent Democrats and Republicans.  Notably, Kuhn received a contribution from former Supreme Court Chief Justice Tom Phillips, a Republican.  Phillips recently endorsed Kuhn, as did former Supreme Court Justices Craig Enoch and Scott Brister, also Republicans.

Kuhn explained, “It is important to me that we run a strong bipartisan campaign.  I’ve always said that if I’m elected I won’t be a Democrat, I’ll be a judge.  It is gratifying to see that sentiment shared by the legal community and other Texas voters.”

Kuhn’s opponent in the race raised $33, 263.16 during the last six months, bringing her total raised in the campaign to $34,458.16, or roughly 1/7 of what Kuhn has raised.  Her cash on hand as of June 30 is $8,582.26, giving Kuhn a cash advantage of nearly 15 to 1.

Democrat Endorsed by Leading Republicans
Former Supreme Court Justices Say Qualifications Prevail Over Partisanship In Appeals Court Race

Austin, Texas—Kurt Kuhn, Democratic nominee for Justice on the Third Court of Appeals, announced today that he has been endorsed by several of the state’s most respected Republican jurists. Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Tom Phillips, former Supreme Court Justice Scott Brister, and former Supreme Court Justice Craig Enoch are supporting Kuhn in his campaign for a seat on the Third Court.

“Kurt Kuhn is undoubtedly the best candidate for this very important court,” said Chief Justice Phillips. “Because experience and qualifications are what matters in a judicial race, I am joining with many other Republicans in endorsing Kurt. He will make an excellent appellate judge.”

Kuhn is an experienced appellate advocate who has spent his career handling the kind of complex appeals that the Third Court hears. He is the only candidate in the race who is board certified in civil appellate law, and he was voted the “best qualified” candidate in a non-partisan poll of all lawyers in the court’s district. Kuhn currently heads the appellate section at Brown McCarroll, LLP, and teaches appellate advocacy as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law. Kuhn previously served as an Assistant Solicitor General of Texas, handling civil and criminal appeals for the state.

“Appellate work is generally technical, not partisan,” said Justice Brister. “As one of the leading appellate practitioners in the State of Texas, Kurt Kuhn has the smarts, skills, and experience to get the job done on the Third Court of Appeals.”

Justice Enoch said, “To ask a judge to do more than impartially apply the law is to ask the judge to step outside the bounds of the judicial office. I’ve worked with Kurt Kuhn. I know him to be a person of integrity, a person committed to the rule of law, and a person who understands the proper bounds of the office he seeks.”

Kuhn said he hoped the endorsements would send a strong message to Texas voters about the importance of selecting judges based on individual merit instead of partisan politics. “I am humbled to have earned the endorsements of Chief Justice Phillips and Justices Brister and Enoch, all of whom I deeply respect for their service,” said Kuhn. “During my campaign, I’ve emphasized that judges need to be above partisan politics, and I’m very proud of the bipartisan support my campaign is receiving.”

Chief Justice Phillips served on the Texas Supreme Court from 1988-2004. Justice Enoch served from 1993-2003, and Justice Brister served from 2003-2009.

Kurt Kuhn Endorsed by Texas Municipal Police Association
Law Enforcement Group Cites Experience, Qualifications

Austin, Texas—Kurt Kuhn announced today that he has received the endorsement of the Texas Municipal Police Association in his campaign for the Third Court of Appeals. The TMPA represents over 15,000 peace officers in Texas, and is the state’s largest and oldest law enforcement organization.

“Kurt Kuhn has the experience, training and common sense to serve as a justice on the Third Court of Appeals. Law enforcement needs a common sense judge on the Third Court of Appeals,” stated Tom Gaylor, TMPA Deputy Executive Director.

The Third Court hears both civil and criminal appeals from 24 Central Texas counties. Because it includes our capitol city, it hears many cases involving state officials, agencies, and administrative laws. As a result, it has a tremendous impact on the legal issues that impact the entire state of Texas.

Kuhn is the only candidate in the race with significant experience in both civil and criminal appeals. Currently, he chair the appellate practice group at Brown McCarroll, one of the oldest and largest law firms in Austin. Previously, Kuhn served as assistant solicitor general, representing the state of Texas in civil and criminal appeals. Kuhn also holds board certification in civil appellate law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, the only candidate in the race so designated.

“I am both humbled and proud to receive the endorsement of Texas’ finest, who put their lives on the line every day to protect us,” stated Kuhn. “The TMPA recognizes the importance of the cases heard by the Third Court. I am honored to receive their endorsement as the most qualified candidate for this important position.”

Last Saturday, my campaign set a single-day personal record: we visited six counties in one day. The Democratic Party held its annual county conventions, and my team drove up and down I-35, 183, 290, and 71 to visit with delegates in Bell, Williamson, Hays, Travis, Caldwell and Bastrop counties.

Now, a lot of people might wonder, “why spend a cold, rainy Saturday driving 287 miles around Central Texas?” The answer is simple: because that’s what this court deserves. A court this important deserves a candidate who is willing to explain why this race matters, and ask each individual voter for their support.

So last Saturday, that’s what we did. From the cafeteria of the Lockhart Junior High School to a cavernous hall at the Palmer Events Center, from Reunion Ranch in Georgetown to the Wimberley Community Center, we worked to educate voters about why this court is so important and why I am the best qualified candidate for the job. If you missed me–or I didn’t come to your county–here it is in a nutshell:

The Third Court is one of the most important courts in Texas because it hears cases involving state agencies, officials, and administrative laws. As a result, it decides legal issues that impact the lives of every Texan, every day. If you care about issues such as education, energy, water, the environment, or public corruption, you need to care about the Third Court.

A court this important needs someone who knows how to do the job. I am the only board-certified appellate attorney in the race, and the only candidate with significant experience as a civil and criminal appellate advocate. I was voted “Best Qualified” by my fellow attorneys by almost a two-to-one margin over my opponent. I am committed to ending the court’s backlog and working hard to make our Third Court one that all Central Texans can be proud of.

I encourage you to check out the slide show of our campaign stops on Saturday. Thanks to everyone who attended, and please join me in spreading the word about this important court.

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.

Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. is the deadline to vote online in the State Bar of Texas judicial poll. The bar poll is an important part of our judicial elections. It gives the legal community the opportunity to let the general public know who it deems to be most qualified. If you have not yet already voted, I hope you will take 2 minutes right now and vote online in the bar poll using your bar card number.

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. Currently, I am partner and chair of the appellate practice group at Brown McCarroll. I also teach appellate advocacy at the University of Texas School of Law. Previously, I worked as an Assistant Solicitor General, representing the state in civil and criminal appeals. I have the experience needed for this important position, and as a result, I am honored to have earned the support of an overwhelming number of leading attorneys in the Third Court district.

If given the opportunity to serve, I cannot promise that you and I will agree on every case. But I can promise that in each case 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.

I hope you will join me in this effort. I humbly ask for your vote in the bar poll, and your vote in November in the general election. Please click here to vote securely online.

Since I began my campaign for our Third Court of Appeals fourteen months ago, I have been humbled to receive the support of over 430 leading attorneys across the district. As we continue the State Bar of Texas judicial poll, I wanted to share with you–in their own words–why so many of our colleagues are supporting my campaign.

I am the only candidate in the race who is board-certified in civil appellate law, and the only candidate with significant civil and criminal appellate experience. I have dedicated my legal career to the Texas appellate courts, and if elected I will be just as dedicated to making the Third Court an institution of which all Texans can be proud.

The ongoing bar poll is an important part of the judicial election process, as it is one of the best ways for attorneys to let the public know who is most qualified to serve as a judge. I would be honored if you would join these leading attorneys in supporting me in the bar poll.

Click here to vote online in the 2010 Judicial Poll. You may also vote by mail. A paper ballot has been sent to the preferred address you have listed with the State Bar of Texas. The deadline to vote is February 24th.

The first birthday gift I ever gave Kurt was a home-cooked meal. We were third-year law students, and though my normal repertoire consisted largely of ramen noodles, I managed to make chicken marsala. We ate on a card table in my tiny New Haven apartment, and then indulged in a carrot cake I made from scratch, every carrot laboriously grated by hand. As we remember it, everything was delicious, although it was probably only mediocre by any objective standards. If I gave him any other gift that birthday, something purchased from a store, we’ve completely forgotten it.

Fourteen years later, we still love homemade gifts in our family. To be clear, we also like shiny things that come in pretty packages. But honestly, the things we create for one another are always the most memorable. And if there’s an element of sneakiness or surprise, that’s even better.

That’s why I put together this collection of 40 photos to show at Kurt’s 40th birthday party. Kurt had never seen many of the photos from his childhood; his mom secretly sent me scans of old family slides that have been boxed up for decades. Sorting through those, plus the thousands of photos we’ve collected during our marriage, yielded some that are sweet, some funny, and yes, maybe some that are a teensy bit embarrassing, too. (You be the judge of which photos fall in which category.) It’s clearly an amateur production, but to our family, it’s something special.

Thanks for celebrating Kurt’s 40th with us.

Today begins the State Bar of Texas’ judicial poll for the race for Justice on the Third Court of Appeals. The bar poll is an important part of the election process–the opportunity for the legal community to let the general public know its feelings about the race.

Attorneys in good standing with the State Bar of Texas whose preferred mailing address is within the Third Court district may vote online at TexasBar.com with your Bar Card Number.

The Third Court of Appeals is one of the most important courts in Texas. It handles civil and criminal appeals from 24 Central Texas counties, including Travis. Because the district includes our state capital, the court hears many appeals involving state agencies, state officials, and administrative actions. As a result, the Third Court has a tremendous impact on the legal issues that impact our entire state. If you care about jurisprudence in Texas, you need to care about the Third Court of Appeals.

I am the only candidate who is board-certified in civil appellate law, and the only candidate with significant civil and criminal appellate experience.

As I travel around the district, I repeatedly hear the same comments from attorneys: the Third Court has become too partisan, the current backlog is unacceptable, and the court needs to apply the law fairly. 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. I will staunchly defend the right to trial and the proper role of our courts.

I have dedicated my legal career to the Texas appellate courts, and if elected I will be just as dedicated to making the Third Court an institution of which all Texans can be proud. I hope you will consider my experience and commitment to appellate advocacy and support me in the bar poll as the most qualified candidate for the Third Court of Appeals.

I would be honored to earn your support in the bar poll. If you do not wish to vote online, a paper ballot has also been mailed to the preferred address you have listed with the State Bar of Texas. The deadline to vote is February 24th.

“The HBAA and ABLA’s memberships include many of the finest attorneys in the Austin legal community, and these organizations recognize the importance of the Third Court and this election,” stated Kurt. “I am both honored and humbled to have earned their endorsements as the most qualified candidate to serve on the Court. ”

Both organizations are influential members of the Central Texas legal community. The Hispanic Bar Association of Austin is an organization that seeks to engage the Hispanic legal community in civic, professional, charitable, and non-partisan political issues. The Austin Black Lawyers Association fosters diversity in the legal profession, encourages community service, and supports scholarship and mentoring programs.