43
Cheryl Waite now unopposed for 4th appeals judgeship term
YOUNGSTOWN
Judge Cheryl L. Waite, who a month ago had two Democratic primary challengers, will run unopposed for her fourth six-year term on the 7th District Court of Appeals bench.
Maureen Walsh, who was running for elected office for the first time, officially withdrew from the race Tuesday, citing “a recent and unexpected health issue that prevents me from devoting the time needed to campaign” in this race.
“My candidacy was never against Judge Waite, but rather for Maureen Walsh,” she said in a statement. “I continue to believe that I would have brought a unique and valuable perspective to the court of appeals due to my almost 30 years as a lawyer.”
Mark A. Hanni also had filed to challenge Judge Waite in the May 6 primary. Hanni withdrew Feb. 21 and is running as a write-in candidate in the Democratic primary for a county common pleas court seat currently held by Republican Maureen Sweeney, who is seeking re-election.
This would have been the first time Judge Waite would have faced a challenge in a re-election bid.
“In an election year, you always run, though it is better to not have an opponent,” she said. “I will sleep a lot better [without an opponent]. I would hope that after more than 17 years on the bench and what I consider a stellar record, I would be re-elected” if there were an opponent.
The judge said she will remain on the campaign trail.
“I owe it to the voters,” she said. “Perhaps I can concentrate on educating the public on the court of appeals and what we do here.”
Though Walsh is out of the race, her name will appear on ballots. However, those at polling locations and those requesting absentee ballots will be notified that votes for Walsh will not count.
Walsh said she has “not ruled out the possibility of running for a judicial position down the road.”
Republicans didn’t field a candidate against Judge Waite in the eight-county 7th District Court of Appeals, which includes Mahoning and Columbiana counties.
The deadline to file as an independent for the seat is May 5, the day before the primary.