By RICK KRON
Leader staff writer
Most state and local legislative seats on Tuesday’s ballot are uncontested, but many of the judicial races that Pulaski County residents can vote on offer other choices.
Judicial races are considered non-partisan, so candidates do not declare if they are Democrat, Republican or some other party affiliation.
Cecily Paterson Skarda is challenging incumbent Mary McGowan for the Division 9, District 6 circuit judge seat.
Melinda Gilbert and Cathi Compton are vying for the Division 11, Subdistrict 6.2 circuit judge seat, which is a juvenile court position.
Judge Wendell Griffen of the Arkansas Court of Appeals is challenged by Rita Gruber.
Democrat Buddy York is challenging Pulaski County Judge Buddy Villines for the right to take on Republican candidate Phil Wyrick.
Depending on where one lives, a county resident may vote for either Democrat Kathy Lewison or Robert E. Hymer Sr. to take on Republican Sid Rosenbaum in the race for justice of the peace District 3 in November.
The winner Tuesday between incumbent Wiliandra S. Dean and Kenyon K. Lowe in the Democratic primary will capture the JP District 5 seat, as there is no Republican opposition.
JP District 8 seat is also up for grabs between Democrat challenger Curtis A. Keith and incumbent Annette “Ann” McCaleb.
Many Sherwood residents will be able to decide on the Republican candidate for the House District 43 seat between Tom Raley and Steven Meckfessel. The winner takes on Democrat Jim Nichols in the fall.
The District 38 seat has two Republican and two Democratic candidates. On the Republican side, it’s Ed Linck and Kelly Eichler.
For the Democrats, it’s Jeff Dailey and John C. Edwards.
Two Democrats are also competing for the District 36 seat. They are Charles King and Darrin Williams.
Area candidates running without opposition are Judge Robert Batton for another term as Jacksonville district judge and Judge Milas “Butch” Hale III for another term as the Sherwood district judge.
Jacksonville’s Mark Perry, who is running as a Democrat for the House District 44 seat, faces no Republican opposition.
Jacksonville’s Bob Johnson, a Republican, has no opposition for another term as District 11 justice of the peace.
On the national level, Mark Pryor is on the ballot for another term as U.S. Senator and Vic Snyder is going for another term as District 2 U.S. representative. Neither face opposition in November.
