(Note: I am running a series of Q&As for judicial candidates on the Republican side of the November ballot. There are a lot of judicial races on the ballot in Harris County this election, so this is intended to help introduce the candidates and their experiences to those who plan to vote. I am running these responses in the order that I receive them from the candidates. Charles Kuffner at Off the Kuff is running the same series for Democratic candidates.)

1. Who are you, and what are you running for?

I am Judge Randy Wilson, Judge of the 157^th Dist. Court, and I am running for re-election for that court.

2. What kind of cases does this court hear?

This is a district court, or trial court, that hears civil lawsuits.  Civil lawsuits are typically suits for damages.  Examples would be suits alleging breach of contract, fraud, personal injury damages, and property damage.

3. Why are you running for this particular bench?

Governor Perry appointed me to this position in 2003, Randy Wilson appointed judge of 157th Dist. Court and I have been re-elected twice.  I am now seeking another four year term.  In 2003, I decided to leave a highly successful law practice in order to perform public service.  I still feel that passion and wish to continue my work.

4. What are your qualifications for this job?

I am the most qualified candidate for judge.  In all of my endeavors, I have a proven track record.

As a Lawyer:

• Graduated number 1 in my class in law school; Recipient of the University of Houston Law Foundation Academic Excellence Award 1977, given to the student who graduated first in the class
• Editor, Houston Law Review
• Adjunct Professor at University of Houston College of Law in Ethics and Professional Responsibility, 1979
• Member 4-E Grievance Committee, 1979-1984
• Board Certified, Civil Trial Law 1988-current
• Partner at Susman Godfrey, 1980 to 2003, where I handled some of the largest and most complex lawsuits in the country
• Selected by Chambers USA (International Legal Directory) in 2003 as one of the Leading Commercial Litigators in America (one of 17 chosen in Texas)
• Member, American Board of Trial Advocates

As a Judge:

• 7+ years experience as a trial judge
• Appointed by Gov. Perry to serve as Justice on the Texas Supreme Court in 2008 in In re Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. Judge Wilson appointed Justice of Texas Supreme Court
• Appointed in 2005 as state-wide Vioxx MDL judge by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation Judge Wilson appointed MDL Vioxx judge
• Appointed in 2008 as MDL judge for Crane Collapse Litigation by Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation Judge Wilson appointed MDL Crane Collapse judge
• Rated by Lawdragon (Legal Directory) as one of the 500 Leading Judges in America Lawdragon 500 Leading Judges in America
• Selected as Trial Judge of the Year in 2009 by TACTAS, the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists TACTAS Judges of the Year
• Highest ranking Civil District Judge in Harris County in 2007 & 2009 Houston Bar Association Polls.  In May 2007, I received an overall rating of 73% Excellent and 16.1% Acceptable.  2007 HBA Judicial Evaluation In May 2009, I received 69.9% Excellent and 19.1% Acceptable 2009 HBA Judicial Evaluation (see p. 20)
• Prolific legal writer, having published twenty legal articles in journals and law reviews Articles by Judge Wilson

As a Member of the Community:

• Married for 37 years
• Member and Elder of First Presbyterian Church of Houston; adult Sunday School teacher; member and past chair of Finance Committee
• Member of Board of Trustees of The Star of Hope of Houston, 1997-2005.  Was Secretary of the Board, Chairman of the Development Committee and member of the Legal Committee Star of Hope
• Chairman of the Board and President of LifeHouse of Houston, a Christian maternity and abortion alternative home, 1994-1996, and 2006 LifeHouse of Houston
• Member of the Board of Directors of Main Street Ministries, an organization to help homeless and disadvantaged persons obtain identification and needed social services.  Houston, TX, 2009-current Main Street Ministries

5. Why is this race important?

The voters in 2010 have the opportunity to retain a conservative judge on the bench, rather than elect a liberal candidate with little if any trial experience.

6. Why should people vote for you in November?

I am the most qualified and conservative candidate.

Website: JudgeRandyWilson.net