Wallace's attacks on Estudillo groundless, bigoted

I’m tired of politics. But there’s still one race holding my attention, the race for the Superior Court Judge position currently held by Judge David Estudillo. Attorney Nick Wallace is trying to unseat him.

When Judge Sperline retired midway in his term last year, eight candidates applied to fill the position. After intense vetting, Judge Estudillo was selected. Wallace, trying to capitalize on partisan politics, argues that the governor picked Estudillo because of a “political agenda” relating to Estudillo’s Latino heritage and Wallace’s status as a “white guy.” This is rude, bigoted and outrageous. It demeans the hard work Estudillo invested in his law degree and the many years he successfully practiced law.

Judge Estudillo has been serving for over a year. Those who work with him respect him and those who have served as jurors in his courtroom say he is outstanding.

Wallace supporters have also tried to make an issue of the source of Judge Estudillo’s campaign contributions, citing donations from the “west side” and unions as evidence that interlopers are trying to influence our court. I spent hours going over Estudillo’s publicly posted contributions.

Here are the facts:

Two-thirds of the judge’s campaign money comes from individuals in Eastern Washington. The unions donating have members here – like employees of Grant County PUD. Wallace’s insinuation that Estudillo is being bought is mean, petty and groundless.

I am also troubled by the fact that no sitting judges, from anywhere, are supporting Wallace.

Nick Wallace’s disappointment at being passed over is understandable. But besmirching the character of another excellent man to win is not right. Wallace has made himself look like a sore-headed loser with his campaign rhetoric. I do not think that is a good character recommendation for a judge.

Clint Bridges

Moses Lake