An open judicial seat does not come up all that often around here. Typically the judges will retire in the middle of their term so the governor can make the appointment. If they like the governor, that is.
In 1996, I ran for an open seat. When I filed, there were only two other names. By the time filing had closed, there were a dozen. The next day, a reporter called me to ask how I thought the race was shaping up.
"Well, there is one woman, one antiabortionist and ten schmoes. I'm one of the schmoes." The next day, I had eight angry voice mails, from guys who objected to being lumped in with the schmoes. What could I say? I had never heard of any of them. As I predicted, the woman and the antiabortionist came through the primary, and the woman is still on the bench.
As my campaign manager used to remind anybody who would listen, "Remember, a judge is just a failed politician who knows a successful politician, and who doesn't mind wearing a dress to work." Of course, the "failed politician" part would not apply to a guy who won election to an open seat.
Best of luck in your endeavor.
