Lawyers rate jurists facing retention vote.

A poll of Florida Bar members regarding the merit retention election of one state Supreme Court justice and 17 appellate court judges indicates support for all to be retained.

Results showed recommendations for retention ranging from 92 percent to 66 percent approval.

The confidential poll seeks to find whether attorneys who know the most about these jurists believe they should continue in their jobs. The retention election is on the ballot in the November 6 general election.

"It is vital that we attract and retain appellate court judges and

justices with the highest qualifications to ensure that our courts have the confidence and respect of all Floridians," President Michelle Suskauer said. "The Bar has polled members since 1978, and we are pleased once again to offer this valuable resource for voters."

On "The Vote's in Your Court" (www.floridabar. org/thevotesinyourcourt) webpage, the Bar offers results of this poll and past polls, its "Guide for Florida Voters," bios of the jurists facing a merit retention vote, and links to more information.

"The poll's positive results demonstrate again how well Florida's system for selecting and retaining judges works," Suskauer said. "Members of The Florida Bar can be proud of the role they play in preserving our system of justice."

A ballot mailed in August to all lawyers residing and practicing in Florida asked whether the incumbent appeals court jurists should be retained. Lawyers taking part in the poll were asked to consider eight attributes: quality and clarity of judicial opinions; knowledge of the law; integrity; judicial temperament; impartiality; freedom from bias/prejudice; demeanor; and courtesy. The Bar sent out 76,529 ballots to in-state members in good standing, and 5,239 lawyers participated. Only responses by lawyers saying they had considerable or limited knowledge of the judges were included in the poll results.

For the Florida Supreme Court, poll results indicate support for retention of:

* Alan Lawson by 87 percent.

For the First District Court of Appeal, poll results indicate support for retention of:

* Harvey Jay by 85 percent.

* Stephanie Ray by 86 percent.

* Brad Thomas by 79 percent.

* Kemmerly Thomas by 80 percent.

* Allen Winsor by 80 percent.

For the Second District Court of Appeal, poll results indicate support for retention of:

* Anthony K. Black by 90 percent.

* Darryl C. Casanueva by 90 percent.

* Edward C. LaRose by 90 percent.

* Susan H. Rothstein-Youakim by 86...