Legal News

Federal Judge Caught Out Donating to Obama Campaign

By Dan Slater

U.S. District Court Judge Tena Campbell in Salt Lake City, Thursday, Aug. 20, 1998. (AP/Douglas C. Pizac)

A federal judge in Utah found herself in a tough spot recently. Tena Campbell, who was appointed to the bench by President Clinton in 1995, made a $100 contribution to Barack Obama’s campaign in August. The Judicial Code of Conduct says a federal judge “should not” make a contribution to a political candidate or organization.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Campbell, who listed her occupation as government lawyer, gave $100 on Aug. 28, bringing her total donations to the Obama campaign to $300. The Obama campaign verified the donations and plans to return the money.

Campbell, did not return calls from the AP seeking comment.

Cynthia Gray, an ethics expert with the American Judicature Society, said: “Federal judges are supposed to be as apolitical as possible, not to show any sort of indication that they would tip to one side or the other.” But the punishment for such a violation is pretty light. Gray said a complaint could be filed to the chief circuit court judge, who could then call Campbell and remind her of the judicial code.

Full post as published by Law Blog - WSJ.com on October 24, 2008 (boomark / email).