Texas Bipartisan Justice Committee Endorses Justice Don Willett in Place 2 Re-Election Bid
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas We first endorsed Justice Willett 6 years ago and the voters of Texas elected him to the states highest civil court. He has served Texas well and should be rewarded with a 2ond term" said the Texas Bipartisan Justice Committee one of the oldest groups that evaluate & endorse judicial candidates in Texas.
He has an impressive record of service to our State & Nation. We are proud to add our name to the long and prestigious list of his endorsements" said the groups press statementbacking Willett in the Republican Primary.
Willett grew up in a small North Texas town graduated with a triple major from Baylor University later earning his law degree from Duke University Law School. He served in the gubernatorial and presidential administrations of George W. Bush and later as an Assistant Attorney General under Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. He was appointed to the Texas Supreme Court by Governor Perry.
In expanding on the groups endorsement Dr. John Coppedge of Longview said:
Justice Willetts opponent in the Republican Primary is once again Steve Smith. Smith has become a perennial candidate.
This will make his 5th Republican Primary campaign for the Texas Supreme Court and the 4th time hes run against a Republican incumbent appointed by either Gov. Bush or Gov. Perry.
We hope the voters are not fooled by a familiar ballot name."
The Texas Supreme Court consists of nine judges chosen in statewide elections. Currently all nine are

Republicans. The court hears appeals from the 14 intermediate Courts of Appeal around the state in all civil cases and in juvenile criminal matters.
The Texas Bipartisan Justice Committee was formed in the late 1980s to evaluate endorse and support judges and candidates for civil courts who believe in the concept of judicial restraint. They also support judges and judicial candidates for criminal courts who recognize and protect not only the rights of criminal defendants but of the victims of crime as well.
Over the years the group has supported over 100 candidates for various courts including for the Texas Supreme Court The Court of Criminal Appeals most of the 14 Courts of Appeal in Texas District Courts and County Courts at Law.