Ned Fuller
My name is Ned Fuller and I am running for judge of the Court of Appeals because I believe that we need to get back to the basics. I have practiced law in New Mexico for 17 years and been a workers compensation judge for three of those years. I have been married 22 years and have four wonderful daughters.
However, what qualifies me for this judicial position is my philosophy of limited government and judicial restraint.
While experience is important, the current election is about philosophy. We have plenty of experience in Santa Fe and in Washington. That experience has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars of debt on the state level and trillions of dollars of debt on the national level. We need a different philosophy. We need to get back to the basics.
People around the state complain that we have too much government corruption and too much government spending. Both Democrat and Republican candidates are running on anti-corruption and anti-spending platforms. In fact, the most common phrase associated with state government is “pay to play.” Perhaps we have too much government spending and too much government corruption because we have too much government, period.
Some may wonder what this has to do with the courts. The limits on government are found in our Constitution. We need judges who will uphold the Constitution. When the courts uphold the Constitution, they play a crucial role in limiting government and protecting individual freedom.
Moreover, a judge should apply the law, not re-write the law. Ours is a government of the people, for the people and by the people. When a judge imposes his or her will over the legislative enactment, it undermines our ability to govern ourselves.
Judges should be independent. I have accepted public financing and the limits that come with it, so that there will be no perception or claim that I am influenced by those who contribute to my campaign. I am free to rule as the law dictates without consideration for who might be benefitted or disappointed in my ruling.
Finally, there is the issue of balance. We have five justices on our state Supreme Court and 10 judges on our Court of Appeals. Only two of these positions are held by Republicans. A balance of political philosophy and a diversity of thought would be a healthy addition to our appellate courts.
As a judge I pledge to return to the basics of constitutional government and strictly applying the law as written.
Fuller is a Republican candidate for a seat on the Court of Appeals.