Opinion 91-44

March 14, 1991

Digest:         A judge may meet with the head of a local political committee prior to becoming an announced candidate, to discuss the possibility of becoming a candidate for another judicial office.

Rules:          22 NYCRR §100.7

Opinion:

         A full-time judge inquires whether a judge may meet with the chair of a local political committee or with a group of attorneys aligned with a particular political party prior to becoming an announced candidate to discuss the possibility of the judge’s becoming a candidate for another judicial office.

         While section 100.7 prohibits political activity by judges, except during periods preceding and following the judge’s election, a judge may meet with a political party leader or persons aligned with a political party at any time to discuss the judge’s possibility of becoming a candidate for another judicial office.