I have always been bothered by the 'election' process of judges. While candidates of other public offices are under microscopic scrutiny as to their values, political leanings, and qualification, judges on the ballot are virtually ghosts, with no campaigning, no media coverage, and barely a suitable resume in the election pamphlets. In many cases they run unopposed. Voters have little information to base a vote on.
I don't claim to know the 'right' solution, but me thinks the public should not have to vote on judicial candidates sight unseen.
You are SO right - No one knows ANYTHING about these people, other than what their co-conspirators (bar orgs, etc.) say about them. I'm reading the book of the First Things debate from 1997 about judicial tyranny and what religious folk and conservos should do about this insanity. Your suggestion is a good start.