Judges – least known candidates, critically important votes

by Jim Irvine

Election Day is less than two weeks away, and many people are already voting early or absentee. Most of the talk, commercials, and media attention are focused on the Presidential race. Voters receive very little information related to the judicial races, so it's hard to gather enough information to form an opinion. These races are critical, and have the greatest ability to influence our lives for years to come. Because they are "non-partisan" there is no party affiliation listed with their names on the ballot. You must walk into the voting booth knowing the candidates' names you are voting for.

In the statewide races for Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court, we have endorsed three Judges: Current Supreme Court Justices Robert Cupp and Terrance O'Donnell, and pro-gun Common Pleas Judge Sharon Kennedy. Supreme Court Justices Cupp and O'Donnell have ruled in our favor through their opinions in prior cases. They interpret our laws and constitution to mean what they say. We must vote keep them on the bench. There are indications that Cupp is behind in the polls. He needs your help.

Common Pleas Judge Sharon Kennedy is trying to replace an anti-gun Justice who ruled against our interests and supported the Columbus "Assault Weapon Ban." Kennedy is a shooter who understands our issues. All three Ohio Supreme Court races are critical for those who value freedom and the rule of law.

For those in Cuyahoga County, we have endorsed Edele Passalacqua for Judge. Passalacqua Cuyahoga County is known throughout the state as a cesspool of corruption and judicial activism. Passalacqua seeks to replace a long sitting Judge. She will bring character, integrity and wisdom to the bench.

We have endorsed multiple Court of Appeals judges. These Court of Appeals seats are critical because many cases are appealed, but very few make it to the Supreme Court for review. As such, these Appeals Judges have the final say in most cases, and their rulings set the precedent for the lower courts in their district unless the Ohio Supreme Court overrules them.

Almost every person has stood in the polls looking at two names they don't recognize, trying to guess which one to vote for. Judges are too important to be left to chance. Please help us spread the word to others so that they are aware of these good judges, and know to vote them, so that the best judicial candidates are elected to serve in our judicial system.

Jim Irvine is the Buckeye Firearms Association Chairman, and recipient of the NRA-ILA's 2011 "Jay M. Littlefield Volunteer of the Year Award" and the CCRKBA's 2012 "Gun Rights Defender of the Year Award."