The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Conservative groups support incumbent Pinson over Barrow
It’s a nonpartisan election, but a race for a seat on the Georgia Supreme Court is turning into a political test focusing on the issue of abortion.
Georgia conservatives are getting behind Justice Andrew Pinson in his challenge from former Democratic U.S. Rep. John Barrow. That includes support from a group connected to state House Speaker Jon Burns called Georgia’s Future that has financed pro-Pinson digital ads.
The Georgia Life Alliance and the Faith and Freedom Coalition also have gotten involved, joining other conservative groups that plan to distribute “voter guides” involving their stances on abortion and other issues.
Barrow has made abortion a focus of his campaign, saying at a recent forum that he believes “women have the same rights today under our state constitution that they used to have under Roe v. Wade.”
That position — or its clear declaration — has drawn some heat.
The state’s Judicial Qualifications Commission warned Barrow that he had violated the Judicial Code of Conduct by making “misleading” pledges to protect selected rights and promises about “highly sensitive cases” likely to come before the state’s top court. The panel — whose powers include removing judges — urged him to immediately change his campaign message or face penalties.
Instead, Barrow filed a lawsuit asking a federal court to block the agency from seeking misconduct charges against him.
Pinson, who once clerked for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, has avoided speaking directly about issues that could come before the court while talking broadly about his philosophy. “I’m a judge, not a politician,” he said.
It’s a pricey competition. Pinson has raised $628,000 in the past few months, with lawyers making hundreds of contributions. He reported having raised $1.33 million in total for reelection, with $731,000 cash in the bank.
Barrow took in $806,000 over the past few months, with $275,000 left on hand as of April 30.