Bonham, Texas - Judge Lauri Blake formally announced her candidacy for re-election as Judge of the 336th District Court.
“During my first term as judge, we have made great strides in implementing the law and order reforms mandated by the voters in 2004," said Judge Blake. “The long held practice of justice delayed has been replaced with justice today. I am seeking re-election as your 336th State District Judge to continue moving forward with the progress made during my first term in office.”
Judge Blake has earned a reputation of being a no nonsense judge who administers an efficient courtroom. Judge Blake has cleared a significant case backlog, allowing for a record number of jury trials.
Judge Blake respectfully declines financial contributions from lawyers as she did in her first campaign. “The public deserves a judge who is impartial,” said Judge Blake. She has returned the courtroom to the people. No longer is justice based upon who you are or whom you know.
During her first term in office Judge Blake’s efforts have garnered her two special appointments, one from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to serve on the Statewide Judicial Committee for the Mental Health Taskforce and one from the Texas Supreme Court who appointed Judge Blake to preside over a disbarment case.
Judge Blake’s re-election campaign has received the endorsement of Congressman Ralph Hall, Senator Craig Estes, Senator Bob Deuell, Representative Larry Phillips, Grayson County District Attorney Joe Brown, Fannin County District Attorney Richard Glaser and Grayson County Sheriff Keith Gary.
“I have enjoyed working with these community leaders and am honored to have earned their endorsement,” said Judge Blake. “But I need your support and vote in the March 4, 2008 primary so that I may again serve the public as the 336th District Judge.”
Prior to becoming Judge of the 336th District Court Judge Blake served as First Assistant County Attorney to Joe Brown, Special Assistant United States Attorney, and was an Assistant Attorney General to John Cornyn. Additionally, she served as an Assistant Criminal District Attorney in Collin County and as a Dallas Police Officer. Working her way from street officer to judge provides Judge Blake with the unique perspective a person can only gain from hard work and life experience.
Judge Blake is a graduate of Southern Methodist University School of Law, holds a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice, and is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Judge Blake is the only candidate in the race for 336th District Judge with judicial experience and Board Certification.
Blake’s community service includes Founding Board member of the Grayson County Children’s Advocacy Center, member of Kiwanis in Sherman and Bonham, Girl Scout Troop leader, member of several Republican Clubs including the Grayson County Republican Women and Fannin County Republican Women, Fannin County Courthouse Restoration Steering Committee member, former Board Member Mothers Against Drunk Driving, former Vice Chair Operations Grayson County Republican Party, former Commissioner on Keep Sherman Beautiful Commission, and former Board Member of the Friends of the Sherman Library,.
Judge Blake and her husband Randy have two children, 6 and 8 and reside in Bonham, Texas. They are members of the First United Methodist Church in Sherman where she teaches Sunday school.