The Hamilton County Board of Elections voted 4-0 last week to finally end the 2010 race for Hamilton County Juvenile Judge that pitted Democrat Tracie Hunter against Republican John Williams. In May, Hunter prevailed by 74 votes during a lawsuit in federal court over counting provisional ballots. The Republican Party had the option of appealing, but the vote means that won’t happen. “We’ve had enough,” said Hamilton County Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou. “It’s time to put this thing behind us.” Triantafilou is on the board, which is comprised of two Republicans and two Democrats.
It probably helps that Williams is a juvenile court judge. The Republican Party appointed him last year to replace a retiring judge. Though he has to run for the seat in November. His opponent? Tracie Hunter, who put her name on the ballot pending the legal battle. Triantafilou said the fight over voter rights and the counting of provisional ballots continues. There are two lawsuits going on in Columbus related to the counting of provisional ballots, he said.
Next up — tallying the cost of the election battle. Enquirer reporter Kimball Perry reported in March the legal fight could cost taxpayers $1.4 million because the candidates racked up large legal bills. At the time, Hunter’s lawyer, Jennifer Branch, said her bill so far was $800,000.
Full Article: Appeal dropped in juvenile judge race | Politics Extra.