On Nov. 3, voters will fill three seats on the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, one seat on the Superior Court of Pennsylvania and one seat on the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania.

To better inform voters about the candidates in this statewide election, the Pennsylvania Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Commission is reissuing its ratings and descriptive paragraphs for all appellate judge candidates appearing on the ballots.Each candidate was eligible to receive a rating of "Highly Recommended," "Recommended" or "Not Recommended."Supreme Court of PennsylvaniaHighly Recommended: Judge Christine L. Donohue, a Lansford native living in Allegheny County; Judge Judith F. Olson, Allegheny County; and Judge David N. Wecht, Allegheny CountyRecommended: Judge Kevin M. Dougherty, Philadelphia County; Judge Michael A. George, Adams County; Judge Paul P. Panepinto, Philadelphia County.Not Recommended: Judge Anne E. Covey, Bucks County.Superior Court of PennsylvaniaRecommended: Judge Alice B. Dubow, Philadelphia County, and Judge Emil A. Giordano, Northampton CountyCommonwealth Court of PennsylvaniaRecommended: Paul N. Lalley, Allegheny County; Michael H. Wojcik, Allegheny CountyWhat the panel said about the candidates:Judge Anne E. CoveyRating: Not RecommendedIn 2011, Judge Anne E. Covey was elected as a judge of the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania. Her opinions as a member of the Commonwealth Court have been well written, clear and concise. In connection with her 2011 campaign for Commonwealth Court, the candidate signed a pledge to not engage in false or misleading campaign advertising. The commission viewed one of her campaign advertisements in early November of 2011, and concluded she violated her pledge. When questioned in the Commission's opinion, she was not forthright in her responses.Judge Christine L. DonohueRating: Highly RecommendedThe Candidate has been a judge on the Superior Court of Pennsylvania since January 2008. Prior to her tenure on the court, she was a practicing attorney with extensive civil trial and appellate court experience. She demonstrates a wealth of knowledge in a variety of areas, including civil, domestic relations, criminal and constitutional matters. She also has extensive community involvement and has taught courses for both professional and lay audiences.Judge Kevin M. DoughertyRating: RecommendedJudge Kevin M. Dougherty has served on statewide commissions studying juvenile justice issues and statewide committees recommending domestic relations and juvenile court procedural rules. He is a strong administrator. Considered fair, open-minded, courteous and a good listener, he also is a hard worker and a consensus builder.Judge Michael A. GeorgeRating: RecommendedJudge Michael A. George serves as the president judge on the Adams County Court of Common Pleas. He was elected to the court in 1999 and has presided over a variety of cases, including criminal, civil and family matters. Prior to his tenure on the court, the Candidate served as the Adams County District Attorney for five years. The Candidate is reported to possess a calm, professional and fair judicial demeanor and has a reputation as an excellent administrator.Judge Judith F. OlsonRating: Highly RecommendedJudge Judith F. Olson is consistently assessed as having a high level of integrity and a congenial, courteous and professional demeanor, which has been praised by colleagues, advocates and court staff. As a serving Superior Court judge, she has demonstrated her excellent administrative skills, which are evidenced by her ability to issue more than 300 opinions a year with other Superior Court panelists.Judge Paul P. PanepintoRating: RecommendedJudge Paul P. Panepinto is an experienced jurist with more than two decades of service on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. During his tenure on the bench, the Candidate worked to develop specialty courts and managed complex litigation matters. The Candidate is knowledgeable about the law and procedure. The Candidate's reputation among litigants and counsel is generally positive.Judge David N. WechtRating: Highly RecommendedWhile serving as a common pleas court judge in Allegheny County, Judge David N. Wecht created the innovative "One Family, One Judge" program that sought and achieved consistency in matters before the family court division. The Candidate ascended to the Pennsylvania Superior Court in 2011, where he further honed his skills as a well-respected and thoughtful jurist. His opinions during his tenure on both courts have been well reasoned, thorough and cogent, demonstrating a deep understanding of the often-complex legal issues involved and providing clear guidance on future matters to the courts, attorneys and litigants.Judge Alice B. DubowRating: RecommendedWhile on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, Judge Alice B. Dubow has served extensively in the family court, and to a more limited degree, in the criminal and civil divisions. She is recognized as a team player, very professional, thorough and hard working. Her writing is well organized and scholarly.Judge Emil A. GiordanoRating: RecommendedJudge Emil A. Giordano is a common pleas court judge who is generally well regarded as a jurist of integrity and good temperament by attorneys and litigants that come before him. Tis experience as an administrative judge demonstrates his ability to address the office, personnel and fiscal needs of running a court. He is engaging, sincere, intelligent and affable. Because of the Candidate's experience with domestic law, criminal law and civil matters, the Commission recommends his candidacy for Superior Court.Ratings for candidates for one vacancy on the Commonwealth Court of PennsylvaniaPaul N. LalleyRating: RecommendedPaul N. Lalley has practiced law since 1996, serving as a clerk to a Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice and thereafter in private practice. He demonstrates integrity and is known as a worthy and knowledgeable opponent. His writing skills are held in high regard, particularly his ability to clearly explain complex legal issues.Michael H. WojcikRating: RecommendedMichael H. Wojcik is well respected by attorneys, judges and his clients for his thoughtful and calm demeanor and for the professionalism with which he conducts himself. His writing is thorough, logical and well researched, and his legal analysis is excellent. The Candidate is active is his community and has held leadership positions within the Boy Scouts of America.