CARSON CITY -- A Reno judge is trying again to get the Nevada Supreme Court to pass a rule that would prohibit judges and judicial candidates from personally soliciting or accepting campaign contributions.

Washoe County District Judge Brent Adams' petition to the high court, to be filed Thursday, follows recent news articles that focused on allegations of judicial improprieties and cronyism in Las Vegas state and federal courts.

Under Adams' proposal, which he tried unsuccessfully to get the high court to consider in the mid-1990s, judicial candidates and judges up for re-election would have to use "committees of responsible persons" to get contributions and run campaigns.

"Getting judges out of the money business is long overdue," Adams said. "Virtually all states that elect judges prohibit judges and judicial candidates from personally soliciting contributions. It's not a wholesome process. It undermines the integrity and independence of the judiciary."

Adams said that only Nevada and North Carolina allow judges to directly seek contributions. Other states that adopted a model rule providing for the committee process have proved that direct fundraising by judges isn't necessary, Adams said.

Adams, who isn't up for re-election this year, said there's support for the proposal within Nevada's legal community. Even if the state Supreme Court acted on the plan this year, something he concedes is unlikely, it wouldn't affect the current campaign season.