Judge Giordano Picking Up Big Union Endorsements

Northampton County Judge Emil Giordano took a lot of heat earlier this year when he invited Democrats to a pizza party he hosted in Northampton. He made no apologies because, as both a person and judge, Emil Giordano transcends party labels. He may wear the black robe, but at Allentown's Cedar Beach, he's a basketball parent watching his 23' tall son Caden develop into an outstanding player. Other parents call him Emil, not Judge. They probably have no idea that's what he does. And he doesn't tell them.

He's a regular guy. So it's no surprise to me that he's picking up a lot of big union endorsements in his quest for one of four seats on Pennsylvania Superior Court.

According to PoliticsPA, Judge Giordano has just picked up an endorsement from the Pennsylvania State Building and Construction Trades Council. He also has the backing of the Laborers’ District Council of Western Pennsylvania, the International Union of Operating Engineers and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Council #57 of Western Pennsylvania.

But will he be endorsed by the International District Council of the Western Eastern Pa Bloggers #9?

You betcha'.

Best Campaign Ad This Election Cycle

Judges Warn That Sexual Violence on College Campuses Is Very Real

Two of my favorite jurists, Superior Court Judges Jack Panella (left) and Correale Stevens, recently presented a lecture to Philadelphia judges and lawyers at the annual Philadelphia Bar Association Bench-Bar Conference. The lecture, “Challenges of Adult Victim Sexual Assault Cases,” focuses on the targeting of young women on college campuses.

Judge Panella cites a 2014 DOJ study concluding that as many as 90% of sexual assaults reported by college women are perpetrated by someone known to them. “Acquaintance rape on college campuses is an increasing danger,” Panella noted. “And there are false stereotypes that lead to wrongfully blaming the woman victim. For example, jurors need to understand there may be a delay in reporting because the victim is ashamed or fearful.”

Stevens quoted a jury member who said “there is no assault unless a woman fights to the death”, reported in Jon Krakauer’s book Missoula about the culture protecting members of the football team who are charged with sexual assault. “Unfortunately, many people automatically blame the young woman.”

The judges emphasized the connection between the culture of sexual assault and the role of alcohol. “Alcohol flows freely at weekend parties, and upperclassmen target the young women and groom them well-ahead of the planned sexual assault,” Stevens added. “Some fraternities even set aside rooms the night of the parties, for the assault, after the young woman has been incapacitated by spiked punch or other drinks.”

Studies have shown as many as 70% of campus sexual assaults are not reported, according to Panella and Stevens.

The judges concluded there has to be more awareness of the false stereotypes and allegations investigated thoroughly, following through with criminal charges where appropriate.

This is the fifth time Judges Panella and Stevens have given a presentation on this important topic. November 2nd they will address the Delaware County Bar Association in Media, PA.

Pittsburgh Post Endorses Judge Giordano For Superior Court

You can read the endorsement here. I am more than a little astonished that Judge Giordano's opponent would think she is entitled to the job simply because she is a woman. If Judge Giordano suggested that he should be elected because he is male, he would rightly be branded a sexist. Perhaps she was just relaying what election experts tell her, but it's something that was better left unsaid. Incidentally, ten of the Superior Court's 14 judges are women.

Judge Giordano Receives Another Police Endorsement

Last month, the Pennsylvania State Troopers' Association endorsed Judge Emil Giordano's bid for the Superior Court. That was followed quickly by Bethlehem's FOP. Now the Le-Hampton Lodge FOP, which represents 39 different police departments throughout the Lehigh Valley, has unanimously voted that Giordano is its choice on the Superior Court. President Gene Hatcher has sent this letter to Judge Giordano.

As President of Fraternal Order of Police Le-Hampton Lodge 35, it is an honor to inform you that our membership has voted unanimously to endorse you for Judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Your track record and commitment to the safety of Pennsylvania’s citizens and law enforcement community are outstanding. Your continuing efforts and dedication to your profession have earned our support.

PSP Endorse Judge Giordano

Bethlehem – The Emil Giordano for Superior Court Committee is proud to announce that Judge Giordano has received the endorsement of the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association (PSTA).

“As a former Assistant District Attorney, I have the deepest respect and appreciation for the men and women in law enforcement who selflessly put themselves on the front lines to keep our streets and communities safe and I am honored to have their support in my race for Superior Court,” said Judge Giordano.

PSTA President Joseph R. Koval said, “As President of the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association I am privileged to inform you that our members have unanimously endorsed your candidacy for Judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court in the upcoming Pennsylvania Municipal Primary Election.”

Judge Emil Giordano is running for a seat on the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Judge Giordano has been endorsed by the Republican Party of Pennsylvania and has earned the “recommendation” of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Judge Giordano currently serves on the Northampton Court of Common Pleas, a position he has held since 2003. Prior to being elected, Judge Giordano served as an assistant district attorney, assistant public defender, civil litigator and as lead counsel in his private law practice. Judge Giordano resides in Bethlehem with his wife Tina and his two sons Joseph and Caden.

The Pennsylvania State Troopers Association represents more than 8,000 active and retired State Troopers and seeks to endorse candidates who have the best interest of Pennsylvania and its law enforcement community at heart.

A Meaningless Promise

Judge Emil Giordano, son of Italian immigrants,
presides over Naturalization Court

Allegheny County Judge Robert J. Colville is one of two candidates seeking the Democratic nomination to the Pennsylvania Superior Court this fall. The winner faces Northampton County jurist Emil Giordano, who is already doing laps around the courthouse every morning at 5 am to get in shape for the general election. Colville has just bravely announced that he won't raise any money in the primary. But of he gets the Democratic nomination, all bets are off.

"[M]y decision will not only allow me to sleep better at night, but that it might also serve to focus attention on, and encourage meaningful public discourse regarding the question of the influence of big money in politics,” he harumphs, as only a judge can.

If he actually meant a word of what he said, he'd shun that "corrosive influence" in the general election, too.

I think what this means is that Colville is unable to raise any money.