On Sept. 18, Grant County District Attorney Jim Carpenter announced that he was suspending his campaign for the Grant-Harney Circuit Court Judge position.

Carpenter’s announcement is as follows:

It is a distinct honor and privilege to serve the people of Grant County as your District Attorney. When Circuit Judge William D. Cramer Jr. announced his decision to retire in December 2019, I and others were concerned regarding who would fill the role of Circuit Court judge for Grant and Harney counties. I believe I am far better equipped and suited for the position than my Grant County counterpart.

Running not because I want the position, but to keep someone else from getting it is not enough for me to continue pressing forward. Additionally, while I will ultimately be exonerated, the frivolous lawsuits and false allegations levied against me after I became a judicial candidate have taken a toll on my health and my family. After much careful thought and prayer, and having conferred with people close to me, I announced to my election committee members that, as of Sept. 3, 2020, I had decided to suspend my efforts to campaign for the position.

I am announcing today my full support and endorsement of John Lamborn, who is running as a write-in candidate for the position of Grant-Harney County Circuit Court Judge. Many people have gone above and beyond in helping with my campaign, and I appreciate their efforts. This has been a difficult decision, but it is made with the best interests of the citizens of both Grant and Harney counties.

Judges have a vital role in the American democratic system as the unbiased interpreters of the law and the dispensers of justice. A judge should not only be well versed in law, but also act fairly and impartially and render decisions that are independent and based on good faith. Because the judiciary enforces the law, under the Constitution, citizens must be confident of obtaining protection for their precious rights and freedoms. A judge always should act with dignity and perform his duties to the highest standards to uphold and maintain the integrity of the office. Public confidence benefits when people bringing their matters to court trust that the judge hearing their matters will act honorably in the discharge of his or her duties.

Although I am suspending my campaign, I believe it is best that the voters of Grant and Harney county have a competent alternative for the position of Circuit Judge. That option unquestionably is John Lamborn. Prior to Judge William D. Cramer Jr.’s term on the bench, Grant County was fortunate to have Judge Milo Pope sit as Presiding Judge, and Judge Francisco Yraguen sat as Presiding Judge in Harney County. All three served the citizens of Grant and Harney counties with honor and distinction and with the highest level of judicial integrity and respect for the law.

John Lamborn has worked tirelessly in our counties for 25 years and will carry on the proud tradition of Eastern Oregon judiciary set by Judge Yraguen, Judge Pope, and Judge Cramer – integrity, impartiality, and legal scholarship.

Please join me on Nov. 3 in writing in John Lamborn as Grant-Harney County Circuit Court Judge.

Thank you,
Jim Carpenter

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Lamborn said the write-in campaign is under way and added, “I well recognize this is a long shot. But it is worth it. Why do I say that? Because our community and our county needs someone who is willing to serve with integrity, compassion, and a profound understanding of the rule of law.

“With modesty aside, that is me. I have lived here for 26 years. Angie and I have raised both our families here. We understand what it means to be caring neighbors who give back to our community. That is why I am taking this long shot.

“I will work hard to earn your trust and confidence. That is what I stand for. I will stand up with integrity, compassion, and — most important — the rule of law.”