Filing politically motivated lawsuits against opponents is a troubling trend that undermines our democratic processes. Whether you support President-Donald Trump or not, the use of our courts to discredit, distract, and obstruct a political figure is unprecedented in modern U.S. history. This weaponization of the legal system, commonly referred to as “lawfare,” is now being mirrored at the local level here in Orange County, where retired federal bankruptcy Judge Lynn Riddle, a liberal Democrat, has taken aim at elected County Board of Education Member Mari Barke, a conservative Republican, by filing a civil lawsuit in Orange County Superior Court asking Barke comply with California’s political financial disclosure laws and seeking monetary damages that Riddle herself will collect if she prevails.

Riddle’s lawsuit is a glaring example of lawfare—a strategic abuse of the legal system to settle political scores. As a former judge, Riddle should understand the importance of preserving the courts for legitimate grievances, not personal or political vendettas. Her actions are not just disappointing, they’re dangerous.

In this case,… Read More