Why isn't political party indicated on political ad mailings?

[cynatnite]

We just got two political ads for judges running for office. There is nothing on the front or back to indicate political party. I went to one website and there was nothing there either.

What's the deal? Is this common? Why won't they say what party they belong to?

[dubeskin]

1. So that way you vote for them

If they don't tell you, you don't know, which means they might get 1 extra vote.

[eyesroll]

2. Are judges elected in partisan elections in your state?

If it's a non-partisan election, they're probably not supposed to even mention political party.

If it is partisan, and there's no primary, people often leave party off if it's more likely to hurt them (i.e. a Republican running in a Democratic stronghold, or vice versa) than help them (a Democrat running in a swing district where sentiment is going the Democratic way, for instance).

[cynatnite]

3. I just called him

It is a partisan election, but he made it very clear that once on the bench it's not the case at all. He's a democrat and took the time to talk to me. I like him so he'll get my vote.

[whistle]

4. If it isn't on their ads, that means they are reThuglican and too

...ashamed to admit it because by doing so they would never win