Best Judge

A Seattle newspaper has named as its best judge of the year the Chelan County Superior Court judge who oversaw the gubernatorial election dispute trial. The Seattle Weekly named John Bridges as "Best Judge":

Best Judge
Chelan County Superior Court Judge John E. Bridges did a fantastic job with Dino Rossi's legal challenge of the 2004 election victory of Gov. Christine Gregoire. Bridges, of course, rendered the correct decision June 6 in Wenatchee when he skewered Rossi's case by affirming the election. In so doing, Bridges slammed the door on more such legal challenges that are based on partisan rancor rather than sound evidence. He also used his bully pulpit to call for a cultural change at the troubled King County Elections Division. The most important thing that Bridges did, however, was use his courtroom to educate the public on the troubled gubernatorial election. He permitted TV cameras to cover the entire proceedings, so they were broadcast on cable TV statewide and on the Internet worldwide. He admitted all the evidence offered by both sides, building a complete public record of the election's problems. Finally, Bridges managed to maintain a sense of humor and grace under very trying circumstances.
-- George Howland Jr.

I think The Weekly is right on. Nice job.

-- Wenatchee, Wash.