It seems they do things a little differently in Red Bank, Tenn., a suburb of Chattanooga. For instance, they elect their judges. For another, the local newspaper is apparently glad to yield a portion of its opinion page to a candidate’s mother so she can tell readers what makes her son the best choice for a judgeship.

Today’s Chattanoogan has a letter to the editor from the mother of Johnny Houston, a candidate for Red Bank City Judge. Houston’s mom, Nancy Estes, wants voters to know some of Johnny’s wonderful qualities. These are numerous, so the letter runs to 550 words. Johnny’s mom promises voters they will not regret voting for him.

Shameless, yes, but the letter is charming and actually rather persuasive. Makes us want to pull a lever for Johnny. Then again, have we heard from the other candidate’s mom yet?