For Pennsylvania Supreme Court: Elect Michael George, Judy Olson & David Wecht

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court continues to be roiled in unprecedented fashion. Yet another justice apologized last week for trading inappropriate emails. A year ago, a justice resigned for that same predilection. Two years ago, a justice was convicted of campaign corruption. Now come seven candidates seeking a historic three open seats. We endorse this trio:

• Michael George. The Adams County Common Pleas judge, a Republican and a McKeesport native, might be the softest spoken of the candidates but his fealty to integrity is a loud, clear and consistent clarion. He would be a foundational justice, keen of intellect and fair in temperament — traits sorely needed to repair the court's reputational cracks.

• Judy Olson. The state Superior Court judge, a Republican of Wexford, is a seasoned legal scholar with 25 years-plus of trial experience. That was followed by tenures on Allegheny County Common Pleas Court and, since 2009, her current appellate court. She will play an integral role in helping to remove the high court's tarnish.

• David Wecht. This state Superior Court judge, a Democrat of Allegheny County's Indiana Township, is the exemplar of what an appellate judge should be. Unparalleled legal scholarship. Unquestioned integrity. And he abhors what we call the Lawyer/Judge Complex that leads to what he calls a line-crossing “chumminess.”

Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, it once was written. And knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful. Michael George, Judy Olson and David Wecht understand this precept. Which is why we endorse them for Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Nov. 3.