Please describe what you believe are the most significant issues in this race and why.

Experience and integrity are important issues in this race.  To do the work effectively, a justice must have broad and significant legal, intelligence, and analytical ability to solve some of the most difficult legal issues affecting all Texans.  The Supreme Court of Texas is also a serious institution that resolves serious issues, and the justices must be vigilant in protecting the integrity of the Court to ensure that litigants are treated fairly.

Are the United States and Texas constitutions living documents?  Please answer in the context of Progressivism versus Originalism.   

The U.S. and Texas Constitutions should be interpreted in the context of which they were created.  Only this way will the intentions of the founders be faithfully carried out.

Please describe the best way for the average voter to determine which candidate for this office is best.

The best way for a voter to know if a judicial candidate will do as they say is to look at their record.  My record of over 5000 published opinions is the best evidence of what kind of judge I am, and it proves my credentials of a conservative judge who follows the law and the Constitution.

How many days off per year should the officeholder of this position take to learn (seminars & workshops) or teach (give educational or motivational talks) or network with other county officials?

This is a purely subjective inquiry.  So much depends on the particular judge, whether his or her docket is current, and whether or not it is an election year. 

Who is endorsing you and what is their relationship to you?

I have quite a large number of individuals and organizations who are endorsing me for reelection.  If they are not already posted on my web site, they will be very shortly.

Why are you running for this office and what 3 major goals do you want to be measured by if you are elected?

I am seeking re-election to the Court because I enjoy the work and because I believe I am part of a highly functioning Court that is serving Texans as an effective, conservative third-branch of State government.

What are the three main reasons you are running for this office? Do you see any potential conflicts of interest?

Before going on the bench, I had 17 years of a litigation practice where I tried dozens of cases to verdict.  Then I was elected to the San Antonio Court of Appeals, where I served 10 years and authored or joined approximately 4000 published opinions.  In 2004, I was elected to the Supreme Court of Texas, where I have authored or joined approximately 1100 supreme court opinions.  I have also been active in the American, State and local bar associations, federal, state and local bar foundations, and have been involved in other bar activities to improve access to justice and to improve

What are the top 3 areas where the budget for this office needs to be adjusted?

I have no opinion on this.

How will you improve the transparency and access to financial and other records for the public?

All campaign contributions and expenditures are already posted on-line for anyone to see

To what extent do you believe the state or federal government should be able to obtain court orders directing parents to do things for their children that the parent does not believe should be done?

I have no opinion on this.

Do parents have the right to block grandparent "rights" or doctor intervention? Why/not?

These cases are fact specific and no general rule can be applied.

Where do you perceive the greatest corruption exists in Montgomery county courts?

I have no information or opinion on this.

What can you do in your court to protect citizens from harm by illegal aliens?

Immigration is exclusively a federal issue.  The Supreme Court of Texas has no jurisdiction in these matters.

Do the taxpayers have a responsibility to provide an interpreter for non-English speaking illegals?  As well, do taxpayers have-to-have one available during courtroom hours just in case someone might need their services?

I am unaware of any specific state Constitutional requirement for these services, but some federal cases suggest there are due process concerns under the US Constitution.

What is the job of a judge?   What is your judicial philosophy?

Generally, the Supreme Court justices review petitions for review, filed by litigants who wish to appeal decisions from the lower courts, to determine which cases present issues affecting the jurisprudence of the State, or which present a conflict between Courts of Appeals decisions on the issue.  Once the cases are selected, they are argued and then decided by vote of the justices.  The decisions are then written into opinions of the Court to describe the reasons for the decision.

My judicial philosophy is what I call “judicial conservatism,” which means following the law as it has been enacted by the Legislature, using common sense, and not imposing any personal or political agenda to my decisions.  I carefully follow the oath of office to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States, and of this State.”

What is the proper role of a lawyer?

Generally speaking, a lawyer’s role is to represent his or her client, zealously and within the bounds of the law.

Among the nine justices on the U.S. Supreme Court, which one do you respect the most, and why? Which one do you respect the least, and why?

I have great respect for Justices Scalia, Thomas and Alito because they are steadfast in maintaining their Constitutional moorings when deciding cases.  And while I respect the remaining justices as members of that Court, I have a difficult time understanding how they reconcile some of their rulings with their oath of office.

What is the single most important action the county needs to do to keep this a great community to live in?

I have no opinion on this.

Please explain your view of recidivism and how it affects the sentences you given

Does not apply.

Should the state license barbers?  Lawyers? Why or why not?

The State has a proper role in licensing certain professions.  I have no opinion on specific examples, as this is a legislative function.

What carries the greatest influence on your ruling: case law, the Constitution, or other?

Case law, statutes, the Constitution all carry great weight when deciding cases.  Which should be given greater weight in any particular case depends on the case.

Is there anything in your background of an embarrassing nature that should be explained before your election?

No

To what extent would you need to recuse yourself from cases because of conflicts of interest?

There are basic statutory requirements and rules for recusal of judges.  I have never recused for a conflict of interest, and never expect I would need to.

Can the legislature effectively write law that makes sense for 30 million people? Please explain your thoughts

I have no opinion on this.