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Ohio Judicial Race: GOP Backs AG’s Son; Lawyer Panel Doesn’t
By: Associated Press
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – In campaigning for a state Supreme Court seat, the Ohio attorney general’s son has outpaced others in fundraising and received a Republican endorsement but isn’t getting the recommendation of an Ohio State Bar Association review panel.
The Columbus Dispatch reports the association’s Commission on Judicial Candidates gave Cincinnati appellate court Judge Pat DeWine its lowest ranking, “not recommended.” That label applies to candidates who get less than 60 percent of the 25 commission members’ votes.
Campaign spokesman D.J. Eckert says DeWine is “exceptionally qualified” to serve on the high court and they’re confident voters will agree with that.
The bar association says ratings are based on “non-political criteria,” such as legal knowledge, professional competence and judicial temperament.
Three candidates were “highly recommended,” including DeWine’s Democratic opponent, Cynthia Westcott Rice.