"Weird idea, but lawyers are supposed to be officers of the court.
Shouldn't they have to give up their license as lawyers in order to run for non judicial posts?"
Under our current system of government yes I suppose they are.
But who says that is necessary? You're smart enough and I would guess, fair enough to sit in judgement (i.e. referee) any courtroom trial. The law is pretty black and white. If it's illegal to do such and such and someone is brought before a jury of their peers, it's real simple. Let a prosecutor be appointed and let the person defend himself. I know the legal begals will scream bloody murder over that concept, but why should I (or you) be subject to the financial whims of a special class of citizen?
Just my opinion of course, doesn't mean I necessarily think I'm right.
The true 13th ammendment prohibited a member of the bar from holding office or voting.