Outgoing Ohio chief justice gets cold shoulder

COLUMBUS (AP) — County Democrats have declined to endorse Ohio’s lame-duck chief justice for an opening for a judge in Columbus.

Franklin County Democratic Chairman William Anthony Jr. says the party has concerns about Chief Justice Eric Brown after he was unable to hold on to his appointed seat on the state Supreme Court. The Democrat lost to Republican Maureen O’Connor in last month’s election by more than 2 to 1 statewide.

The county Democrats have recommended to Gov. Ted Strickland three other candidates for Franklin County Municipal Court.

A Strickland spokeswoman says the recommendation is not part of the formal process the governor will use to fill the seat.

Brown’s office told The Columbus Dispatch he was traveling and unavailable for comment.