Office of the Governor iT DATE: April 29, 1980 TO: TA and JBF FROM: Linda Howe RE: 309th Family Court in Harris County MEMO Austin, Texas 78711 Phone (512) 475-4571 The following is a report by Jon Lindsay: vin Zimmerman - in all of Lindsay's checking, Zimmerman came out ahead of the other candidates. He appears to have more broad based support, is a better attorney and could raise the necessary money to field a strong race. 2. Carol Lane - she is an identifiable Republican, a pretty good lawyer, but her reputation at the courthouse is such that she would "do anything" to obtain a judicial appointment. Lindsay does not care for her personally because of an inconsequential "tiff" between them, but he will support her nomination enthusiastically. 3. Abe Ramirez - Lindsay says his Mexican-American support is shallow, that he will have promised public opposition from The Chronicle (Phil Warner). Jon said he is not regarded as a very good judge, but that he is fairly well respected as a tax attorney. The red flag that Phil Warner waved is this example: Warner said he is unethical - i.e. if a person appears in court without a lawyer, Ramirez will give him an attorney's card and tell him to come back. Bottom line: Lindsay will support any of the three, but believes Zimmerman to be the most qualified and acceptable choice. He thinks he is electable because he can raise money. He does not believe the other candidates can. ____________ LINDA HOWELL _____________ Director of Personnel and Appointments