Spending records are being set nationwide for judicial contests, with special interests and wealthy contributors inserting themselves in contests from Washington to Illinois. The Ledger writes about the trend, including innovative solutions to counteract it: like North Carolina's judicial public financing program. The article points to the $1 million + pricetags on judicial seats as a result of about four years of skyrocketing campaign costs, and prints an old quote from Senator John McCain (R-AZ) on the apparent conflict of interest: "Americans depend on their courts to be the ultimate example of fairness and impartiality," said U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., in pointing out the trend four years ago. "But special interests are spending millions to influence decisions and elect judges to serve their narrow interests, not the public interest."  It just seems like a no-brainer that judges should be able to run for office without even the appearance of being in anyone's pocket. Public financing for judicial races is hugely popular in North Carolina and now states like Washington are looking into it. It doesn't look like the spending in these races shows any sign of slowing down so why don't we arrest the out of control spending while we can still recognize the problem?