On the previous post, reader Nicole left this comment that I wanted to address:I just got off the phone with Judge Hendrickson, as much as Kay Rogers and Gregg Pratt want you to think that the republicans will be giving up the seat to a democrat, that is a bit of a stretch. Whomever is appointed to the seat (we are assuming it will be a democrat) will only be in place for 40 days (give or take a few) before that position goes up for re-election. That is hardly enough time to do damage. As far as qualifications go, the 12th district position should not be taken lightly, and I believe we should give it to the person who has the most experience, which is clearly Judge Hendrickson. We do not need someone in the seat who has no judicial experience and would basically be learning as he goes, in one of the highest ranked courts in the state, lets not forget that this is one step down from Supreme Court. Not a wise idea. I have no doubt that Greg Pratt is an excellent attorney, I just don't appreciate his campaign tactics.It doesn't matter if it is 40 days or 40 months, the Democrat -- and it will be a a Democrat -- that Ted Strickland would appoint will still get to run as an incumbent.
As for how much damage could be done in 40 days... I read where Judge Hendrickson had the highest DUI caseload in the state. How many of those cases will go before a Democrat judge with their liberal tendencies in that 40 days? What about the victims of those crimes and their families? How much justice will they get during those 40 days.
Don't get me wrong, I think Judge Hendrickson would make a fine Appeals Court judge. But can this community afford to risk giving the seat to a Democrat??? That is the question... If the rest of the Butler County Central Committee is convinced that they can beat an incumbent Democrat, then let's hear who that candidate would be...
It comes down to resources. The Butler County GOP, in its infinite wisdom, decided to sink a million dollars into the Todd Mahal instead of making sure that there was sufficient resources available for candidates. Now, I understand that the idea behind the Todd Mahal was to have a showpiece to draw more corporate donations. But that tactic appears to have backfired and I can't say that I would have agreed with taking that risk. And as I understand it, the Central Committee was not given a voice in the decision... Back on point: I don't believe that we have the resources for unneccessary battles... (Butler County GOP types: feel free to correct me on any of this...either in comments or email)
Lastly, a straight question: What do campaign tactics have to do with judicial experience?
UPDATE: Just to further clarify, I haven't taken a solid position on this yet. If there is a serious response to the question of who might fill Hendrickson's slot that can defeat an incumbent Democrat, then I'm game to open the argument as to why we should vote for him... I am having a real problem figuring out how giving this judgeship to a Democrat helps Republicans in Butler County.
