Judge Paula Patrick was endorsed by the Pennsylvania Republican Party for a seat on the state’s Superior Court. PoliticsPA spoke to Patrick about her career as a judge and what the endorsement of the GOP means to her.
“I became a judge because I wanted to serve.” said Patrick. “I have always had a lifelong passion to render justice for all people.”
Patrick has served on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas since 2004 and has authored over 400 opinions. This endorsement was announced at the winter meeting of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg.
The forty-nine year old Patrick is not a lifelong Republican, but explained what made her leave the Democratic Party.
“As a black woman born and raised in the South, being a Democrat was just ingrained, almost as though it is on your birth certificate.” said Patrick.
“I became a Republican because I began to research and study both party platforms and beliefs,” Patrick said. “It was at that point that I realized that my core values and beliefs were always more in line with the Republican party than that of the Democrat party.”
Changing party affiliation to become a Republican in a Democratic stronghold like Philadelphia has helped shape Patrick’s career.
“Though my choice was not a popular one, especially being in Philadelphia, I felt it was necessary to be true to who I am,” said Patrick.
“I think for someone to be able to stand up and make that change at a crucial point in one’s own career requires you to be a courageous and independent thinker,” said Patrick. “That’s how I was raised and everyday I exhibit these same traits as I take the bench to do my job each day.”
Patrick ran for Superior Court in 2011 without the endorsement of the GOP, and lost in the primary.
During the last judicial election, the Republicans did not win a single seat, but Patrick sees this year’s election will be different.
“I believe that I, as well as the entire Republican slate will do very well this year,” said Patrick.
“For judges, I believe voters are concerned about integrity, trust, adhering to our Constitution and honoring the law,” said Patrick. “Voters are tired of pay-for-play politics and want judges that hold these same values.”
Patrick is the first African American woman endorsed by the Pennsylvania Republican Party in a statewide race. She is highly recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
There are four open seats on the Superior Court. The Court hears appeals of civil and criminal cases from the Court of Common Pleas, and appeals of cases involving children and family matters.
PoliticsPA is profiling all of the candidates for statewide judicial office.
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12 Responses
Jeffrey Laverty, no judge would say something like that, and no attorney would say something like you just said. Funny thing is, can’t seem to find an attorney by your name. Just a guy from Philly with a BA from Drexel. So I’m calling BS. Next time you decide to defame and slander you might change your public name. And if Judge Patrick is so “anti-2nd Amendment,” the greatest anti-gun cheerleader in the state sure doesn’t seem to think so. Here’s what they said:
“While serving on the Philadelphia Gun Court in 2010 and 2011, Judge Patrick was criticized for failing to crack down on gun criminals in numerous cases brought by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office…”
http://www.ceasefirepa.org/courtwatch_report/judge-patrick-reduces-bail-for-convicted-gun-criminal-meanwhile-another-gun-criminal-sentenced-to-35-70-years-behind-bars-by-judge-lynn/
James W Herbert, EdD you are way wrong. Judge Patrick has actually been criticized in Philly by anti-gun advocacy groups for being “pro” 2nd Amendment. Check your facts. I did. There is nothing whatsoever to substantiate such a nonsense claim. I’ve heard her speak numerous times. You need to vet your sources.
I am very bothered about her stand on the 2nd Ammendment and her not feeling that Pennsylanians and Americans have a right to own and carry fire arms. For this reason, I cannot support her. IF I am wrong, would someone please write me and further explain her stance on this?
This judge does not believe in our 2nd amendment right to bear arms. I have practiced infront of her many times and heard her say many times “no guns will be on the streets of philly while I’m in office” referring to both LEGAL and ILLEGAL firearms and owners.
What are your views on mandatory minimums?
What are her views concerning the judges who had pornography on their computers. And why isn’t any action being taken. This is a crime !
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In a time of when our country is in turmoil, it’s so refreshing to have a candidate like Judge Patrick. She will bring much integrity to the Superior Court. Smart people will be on her team. She has my vote.
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Called her “Paul” in the first sentence
She is a great candidate and should do well. Unfortunately, the rest of the republican superior court endorsed candidates will probably hurt her. It’s interesting that Val’s people in the Southeast Caucus chose not to endorse her during the early voting. She has my vote!
In other words, she forgot where she came from and joined the upper class that looks out for themselves.