JUDICIAL RACES Mahoning County Bar Association

The Mahoning County Bar Association has determined who’s qualified and not qualified in the three competitive judicial elections this year. The membership considers legal knowledge, professional experience, judicial temperament, integrity, diligence and professional responsibility in determining qualifications. An (*) denotes the incumbent.

PROBATE COURT

(Three Democrats are running in the March 4 primary with the winner facing Republican Scott Hunter in the November general election.)

Highly qualified: Judge Mark A. Belinky* (D).

Qualified: James R. Lanzo (D), Scott Hunter (R).

Not qualified: Susan G. Maruca (D).

COMMON PLEAS COURT

(Four Democrats are running in the primary with no Republican opposition. Term expiring 12/31/12)

Qualified: Judge Timothy A. Franken* (D), Louis A. D’Apolito (D), Louis M. DeFabio (D), J. Jeffrey Limbian (D).

COMMON PLEAS COURT

(The Republican and Democratic candidates are running unopposed in their party primary and will meet in the November general election. Term begins 1/2/09)

Qualified: Judge Maureen A. Sweeney* (R).

Not qualified: David J. Gerchak (D).

Source: Mahoning County Bar Association