When is the last time you voted in a local judicial election?
My name is David F. McLeod, and I'm running for district court judge in our Third Judicial District. The Third Judicial District includes Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, and Winona counties.
Some judicial challengers are not campaigning; however. Tim Guth is actively campaigning against incumbent Judge Carmaine Sturino in Houston County, and I am actively campaigning against incumbent Judge Terrence M. Walters in Wabasha County.
Minnesota's constitution provides for judicial elections. Our supreme court instructs that our constitution does not prefer one method of judicial selection over the other. Judicial elections are mandated every six years for each seat, but if a judge leaves office during his or her term, the vacancy is filled by gubernatorial appointment.
If incumbent Judge Terrence M. Walters is re-elected, he will not complete his term due to mandatory retirement. If that occurs, the governor fills this seat , not the voters.
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While campaigning, I hear voters say "I never know anything about judges." I urge voters to research the candidates and make informed choices by going to the Minnesota Secretary of State's website (www.sos.state.mn.us).
Finally, I ask the voters of our district to fill this seat Nov. 8 by voting for David F. McLeod.
David F. McLeod
Rochester
