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Candidate: Division 12 2nd judicial judgeship

Name: Clay Campbell (i), Democrat

Age: 45

Campaign Web site: Not applicable, but questions are fielded and answered by me and my campaign staff at KeepJudgeCampbellnetscape.com.

Family: My family is my wife, who has worked with APS as a teacher and counselor for 19 years, and her two wonderful children. For the sake of their privacy, not mine, I prefer not to give out their names. We also have three dogs, all from the Humane Society: Skeeter, Cinco and Boudreaux.

Education: Most recently, I studied creative writing and literature in the University of New Mexico's prestigious master's program. I got my law degree in 1990 from William and Mary, where I was editor-in-chief of the law review. I also have a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Florida, which I received in 1985. I put myself through college by working on oil rigs and paid for law school by working construction jobs.

Please list the experience you think makes you or would make you a good judge: Division XII, where I have been the sitting trial judge for the past year and a half, is exclusively a civil court; we only hear civil matters. All of my 15 years of legal work has been in the areas of civil trial and corporate law. Before I became a judge in February 2005, I represented hundreds of New Mexico families and workers. I also have represented many large and small businesses. The breadth of my experience helps me see each party's perspective, which enables me to make fair decisions. My great familiarity with the civil justice system also helps me get right to the heart of disputes and decide them efficiently. I am honest and hard-working, and committed to treating all people and businesses with respect in my court.

Have you ever been arrested or charged with a felony or misdemeanor? If yes, explain. No

What's the best meal you can cook from scratch? Red chile stew

Last book you read: "Blindness," by Jose Saramago, and "The Rain in the Trees," by W.S. Merwin (poetry)

What was your biggest mistake in life and what lesson did you learn? When I was 16, I started smoking because my friends and I thought it was "cool." Quitting, just four years later, was one of the hardest things I have ever done. The experience taught me to value my health above opinions others might have of me - it taught me to be true to myself. I try to teach that lesson to my own children so they won't learn it the hard way.

What distinguishes you from your opponent?

All of my legal experience has been in the exact area of law for which I am now serving as judge - civil law. I am well familiar with the principles of the U.S. and New Mexico constitutions, and the laws that govern disputes in my court, having used them as tools during my 15 years of practice as a lawyer and now more than one and a half years as a judge. My broad background in civil law gives me the personal knowledge and seasoning to be fair and respectful to all parties, and to deliver justice efficiently and effectively. Additionally, Governor Richardson made me his number one choice for Bernalillo County District Court Judge after I was hand-picked for this civil trial position by a bi-partisan judicial nominating commission, based on my honesty, integrity, experience and qualifications.

What is the biggest problem facing the judicial system and what would you do to help solve it?

When I was a lawyer, my clients sometimes became frustrated because it seemed to take a long time to get matters decided. I immediately addressed this issue when I became a judge. Over the past one-and-a-half years, I have developed a scheduling system that speeds up the setting of hearings and trials in my court. I also use a computerized system that alerts me when any case is inactive for more than six months - meritless cases clogging the docket are dismissed. I am committed to continuing to talk to people about their experiences in court, whether positive or negative. Solving problems big and small is my job, including any problems people see with the judicial system.