CINCINNATI (AP) - The attorney who helped a now-indicted juvenile court judge get seated in southwest Ohio plans to run for a judgeship herself.
The Cincinnati Enquirer (https://cin.ci/1nG5QCQ ) reported Thursday that attorney Jennifer Branch appears to have more than enough signatures to qualify for the fall ballot in Hamilton County. Her candidacy likely will be certified next week by the county board of elections.
The Democrat would oppose Republican incumbent Juvenile Judge John Williams.
Williams appeared to have narrowly won over Tracie Hunter in 2010, but Hunter sued over uncounted ballots. After a lengthy lawsuit with Branch as Hunter’s attorney, a federal judge ordered the ballots counted, which resulted in Hunter being seated in 2012. Williams had been appointed to an open juvenile judgeship and handily won election in 2012.
Hunter was suspended in January by the Ohio Supreme Court after her indictment on charges including evidence tampering and theft in office. Her trial is scheduled for Sept. 8. She has blamed politics for the charges against her.
Branch has been involved in litigation seeking rights for gays and defending a clinic that performs abortions.
“Throughout my career, I have cared about young people in the community, and I want to make a difference,” Branch said.
“I want to put the kids first, and put all the other stuff to the side,” Williams said of her challenge.
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Information from: The Cincinnati Enquirer, https://www.enquirer.com
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