High-court hopefuls raise $900,000

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

A government watchdog’s analysis finds candidates for Ohio Supreme Court have raised about $900,000.

The review of campaign contributions by Common Cause Ohio looked at the court’s two November races, which include an open seat and an appointed incumbent’s first high court election.

Catherine Turcer is Common Cause Ohio’s executive director. She says the court should strengthen rules allowing justices to take themselves off cases that involve contributors.

The group’s review found that Republican incumbent Justice Mary DeGenaro, appointed by Gov. John Kasich earlier this year, raised $269,223 since January, compared with $129,212 raised by her Democratic challenger, appeals court Judge Melody Stewart.

In the court’s open race, Judge Craig Baldwin has raised $251,803, compared to $234,462 raised by his Democrat Michael Donnelly.