The two candidates for the Idaho Supreme Court clashed over everything from the state’s judicial selection process to political influence on the court, in a debate broadcast live Thursday night on Idaho Public Television.

Incumbent Justice Joel Horton was appointed to the court in September by Gov. Butch Otter after review by a judicial council, and now is standing for election May 27. 2nd District Judge John Bradbury of Lewiston has called for an end to appointed judges running to succeed themselves, and wants all judgeships decided in open elections.

Bradbury also suggested political influence may have been a factor in the high court taking more than 17 years to decide a school facilities funding lawsuit. Horton responded that he’s sat on about 100 cases in his time on the court so far, and “never once” did political pressures influence a decision.

The debate can be viewed online at www.idahoptv.org.

(Spokesman-Review)