Lauderdale County District Judge Deborah Bell Paseur promised Monday that her campaign for a seat in the Alabama Supreme Court will be run in the same way she intends to serve on the court: with integrity.

"The integrity of the judicial system is in crisis," Paseur said. "There is a perception that a decision can be bought."

Paseur's comments came during a ceremony in front of the Lauderdale County Courthouse, formally announcing her candidacy in the 2008 race for the sole open seat on the state's highest court.

"I will protect public safety and safeguard public trust," she said.

Incumbent Republican Justice Harold See has said he isn't seeking re-election.

Paseur has been Lauderdale's district judge since 1981. She was elected in 1980 and re-elected four times without opposition.

She ran for a spot on the state's Court of Criminal Appeals in 2006, in which she received 48 percent of the votes in a loss to Republican Samuel Welch.

"It was a great campaign, and immediately afterward, people started approaching me, saying I need to run again for a state position," she said.

Paseur said she will back up her promise to run a campaign of integrity. "I will sign a pledge to that effect."

Monday's announcement included a show of support from various local elected officials and lawyers. Paseur was introduced by state Rep. Marcel Black, D-Tuscumbia, who said she exhibits the ingredients necessary for the state judgeship.

"She's smart, has a healthy work ethic and good dose of common sense and strong civic background, and is well learned in law," Black said. "Her rulings and decisions are grounded in law and facts, not swayed by party."

Paseur's resume includes a long list of civic and professional attributes.

She was a founding member of the Lauderdale County Drug Court Team and Lauderdale County Community Corrections Authority's board.

She has received governor's and chief justice's appointments to various committees regarding civil and criminal law, children's cases and judicial administration.

Paseur is president-elect of the Florence Rotary Club and was a founding member of Safeplace and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Shoals programs.

"I'm a candidate for all the people," she said. "I have a great relationship with all segments in the state. Because of that, I can serve in a way that represents all people and assures fairness."

Bernie Delinski can be reached at 740-5739 or bernie.delinski@timesdaily.com.