[Former college basketball player Laura] Curliss says the court has been conservative and dominated by Republicans -- only one Dem has ever been elected since its creation in 1980. "It needs diversity. The court has been dominated by Butler County. It needs diversity in terms of the counties of representation." She also said the Republicans who run for the court are far right. "We're not talking moderates, we're talking extreme."Emphasis added. Why? Because it just shows how out of touch Curliss is. This is a conservative district, and I really don't think that the demographics have changed all that much...
Here are some nuggets of wisdom from the other guy running:
Another Dem seeking another spot on the 12th District is Bruce Carter, a Fairfield trial lawyer [and former "journalist"], who said he hopes to change the court's reputation "as the most conservative in Ohio." He said the appeals rulings are perceived as consistenly pro-business, anti-worker and anti-human rights. "I want to change that," Carter said of the court's reputation, adding that many leave 12th District session believing they did not get a fair shake from the panels hearing their cases. He did not say how he would rule on any cases, but explained he would bring an open mind to the bench and citizens would know, "At least there were people who listened."For Curliss's information, Fairfield is in Butler County...and for the record, Judge Ringland is from Batavia in Clermont County...
As for Carter's ravings, well, I thought a judge was supposed to rule based on the law and not feelings, intuition, or clairvoyance. Again, this is a conservative area and unless Carter is making an argument that being pro-business is somehow illegal or improper, I don't get what he's fishing for here. And I demand to know what this court -- and Judges Ringland and Hendrickson -- have EVER done that could be considered anti-worker or -- in particular -- anti-human rights. That is downright slander and of course, Bill Sloat let all of that pass without a comment at all.
Lastly, why on Earth should the good people of the Twelfth District put a former college basketball player and a former journalist on the bench? I mean, sure one was also an assistant prosecutor (Curliss) and the other is a vile trial lawyer (Carter), but neither appear to have ever been a judge before.
Once again, Ohio democrats are trying to put people in to positions where they can legislate from the bench. Don't be fooled by these charlatans.
Vote Judge Ringland and Judge Hendrickson and keep the 12th District Court of Appeals competent and of sound judgement.
