Douglas McClure files signatures to make bid for Circuit Court judge official
Washtenaw County Circuit Court judge candidate Douglas McClure filed nearly 1,300 petition signatures on Thursday with the Michigan Secretary of State — 300 more than the 1,000 required to appear on the Aug. 7 primary ballot.
"I'm humbled that so many people from across Washtenaw County have joined this campaign to help ensure justice is a reality for the residents of our community," he said in a statement.
Douglas McClure
McClure has been a partner at the Ann Arbor law firm of Conlin, McKenney & Philbrick PC for more than two decades. He lives with his wife Cate and three children in Lima Township.
"My job as a lawyer in this county for the past 22 years has been helping clients understand their legal rights, and guiding clients toward resolution of their legal problems," he said. "I will use my experience, judgment, skill, and dedication to serve the interests of justice in Washtenaw County if elected."
In addition to his law practice, McClure is a board member of the Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, a member of the city of Ann Arbor Solid Waste Plan Update Committee, a director-at-large of the Washtenaw County Bar Association and an adjunct professor at Cooley Law School in Ann Arbor.
Washtenaw County Circuit Court judges Timothy Connors, Melinda Morris and Darlene O'Brien all have their terms end at the beginning of 2013. Morris is retiring.
In addition to McClure, local attorneys James Fink, Carol Kuhnke and Erane Washington have announced they're running for Circuit Court judge this year.
Washington recently was endorsed by former Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Conrad Mallett Jr., who was appointed in 1990 by Gov. James Blanchard. In 1997, Mallett was unanimously chosen by his fellow justices to become the first black chief justice.
"It is truly an honor to have the support of one of the most respected members of the judicial community," Washington said in a statement. "Justice Mallett has had over 30 years of legal experience, including eight years on the bench in our highest state court. He has outstanding insight into Michigan's justice system and I am extremely grateful for his endorsement."
Washtenaw County Trial Court judges Donald Shelton and Nancy Wheeler also are supporting Washington's campaign.
Ann Arbor City Attorney Stephen Postema was considering a run for Circuit Court judge this year but announced in January he decided against it.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
Roadman
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 11:24 p.m.
Prediction: McClure will finish in fouth place in the August primary. His website lists no endorsements currently. He hails from a law firm that is known as an insurance defense firm. He speaks of being "humble" over the public support he is getting. Who are these curremtly unnamed people. Why doesn't he list them on his campaign website? Has he had any fundraisers? I have heard of none.
Roadman
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:50 a.m.
@Michigan Reader: Don't you think that Jim Fink has the "conservative" vote locked up? He held a big dinner in February with plenty of heavy hitters in attendance - mostly Republican - Commissioner Dan Smith, Representative Mark Ouimet, among others - but also Democrats - including Yousef Rabhi. Fink is a big name in Washtenaw County. I do not know of any major players in local politics who have endorsed McClure - if any exist, let me know. Erane is certainly getting some big names endorsing her and several prominent locals have endorsed Kuhnke.
Michigan Reader
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 12:13 a.m.
The electorate will be all of Washtenaw County, not just liberal Ann Arbor, so you can't be so sure his "conservative" background will work against him.
Alan Goldsmith
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 4:48 p.m.
"Ann Arbor City Attorney Stephen Postema was considering a run for Circuit Court judge this year but announced in January he decided against it." Wise move.
Roadman
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 11:14 p.m.
I agree. Postema blamed his withdrawal on a foot injury. A vigorous campaigner could have raised some issues that arose as city attorney that may have not been flattering, such as his role in E-Mail-Gate and his light suspension of City Prosecutor Robert West following West's operating while impaired conviction.