Is there a concern with judicial independence in Pennsylvania? I see articles constantly about problems with the judiciary because of elections. What has the organized bar done?

Unfortunately, one has to state that judicial independence is at a critical stage in Pennsylvania currently. Articles in the newspaper sometimes fueled by dissatisfied litigants or unhappy lawyers have immeasurably hurt the judicial office in Pennsylvania. Newspapers have no true understanding of judicial independence. The stock thing to talk about is get rid of the current system of electing judges and appoint judges. Somehow this will create a purity and a perfect world. But, those who practice law regularly know that the appointment system is just another disguised way for the political process to have its will. At least in an elective system, candidates have a chance to win even if they rarely do. With an appointment system, one has to be connected or have a lot of money and have made a lot of contributions to the right people.