Deukmejian and Justice Grodin

In November, 1984, the people of Oregon reelected Hans Linde as a justice on the Oregon Supreme Court. I see several close comparisons between Linde’s campaign and Chief Justice Bird’s current race for another term on the California Supreme Court. As a native Californian and a lawyer admitted in both states, I have watched these races with more than a passing interest.

So-called anti-crime political groups labeled Hans Linde as “soft” on crime. They relied on court opinions, several of which were signed by all seven justices on the Oregon court. The cases dealt with highly complicated issues of law, but the public was rarely given these important details.

Respected legal experts emphasized the high quality of Linde’s writing and research. Editorial writers bemoaned the negative political campaign aimed at Linde, and stressed the critical importance of intellectual strength and diversity on the state’s highest court.

Linde was reelected by a comfortable margin. Although concerned with crime rates, Oregonians refused to jeopardize the independence of the Oregon Supreme Court. They rejected the false notion that crime would go down if they voted against a hard-working judge.

Thoughtful California voters considering Rose Bird’s reelection race would do well to take a history lesson from their neighbors to the north.

ROBERT D. DURHAM

Portland, Ore.