Franklin Co. judge made interim Ohio chief justice

COLUMBUS (AP) — A judge running for Ohio Supreme Court chief justice has been given the job on a temporary basis, to replace the late Chief Justice Thomas Moyer.

Gov. Ted Strickland today announced the interim appointment of Eric Brown, currently a Franklin County probate judge in Columbus.

The appointment could give Brown, a Democrat, an edge in name recognition, experience and fundraising in his fall bid for the chief’s seat against Justice Maureen O’Connor, a Republican.

Republican Moyer died unexpectedly April 2 at age 70.

Strickland says he already had given Brown his strong support and believes he is the right person to become chief justice. He says Brown is “uniquely qualified” based on his government and management experience and his legal expertise.