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Opinions Differ in Ohio on When Judge Become ‘Candidate’
By: Associated Press
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Then-Ohio Supreme Court Justice Bill O’Neill’s decision last year to remain on the court well after announcing his bid for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination prompted a storm of controversy. Response to the court’s proposed fix was less enthusiastic.
Only six people submitted comments in response to a proposal to clarify Ohio’s rules governing the legal profession to make clear that sitting judges who launch campaigns for non-judicial office must step down from the bench immediately.
The feedback was obtained by The Associated Press through a public records request.
One commenter praised justices for their efforts to maintain the integrity of the judiciary. Another called the proposed rule change “shamefully childish.”
A court spokesman says justices are still weighing public input and haven’t set a date for releasing revisions.