HERE COMES THE JUDGES!

Up until 1967, Oklahomans elected judges in partisan statewide elections. Voters knew the judge’s PARTY affiliation, convictions and values. Because the elections supposedly cost the judges a lot of time and money, they convinced the Oklahoma legislature to put a State Question on the ballot to amend the State Constitution to our current ‘judicial retention’ system. Since being implemented, NOT ONE OKLAHOMA APPELLATE JUDGE HAS FAILED TO BE RETAINED.

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The truth is most voters don’t know anything about the judges. Bear in mind that ALL these judges were appointed by a Governor. It stands to reason they reflect the values, views and opinions of the Governor who appointed them. Keep that in mind when you cast your vote or whether to retain or remove. I recommend kicking all of them out except James Winchester. Here is a brief profile of each of the six.

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The Norman League of Women voters conducted an interview with each of the judges on the retention ballot and have posted it online. It can be accessed at http://norman.ok.lwvnet.org/2010_judicial_retention.html

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STEVEN W. TAYLOR
Age 61
Position Vice Chief Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court- District #2
Appointed by Governor Brad Henry- Democrat
How Long on Court 2004- present
Background Mayor- McAlester, District Judge- McAlester
Interesting Fact Presided over Terry Nichols trial in OKC

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JAMES R. WINCHESTER
Age 58
Position Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court- District #3
Appointed by Governor Frank Keating- Republican
How Long on Court 2000- present
Background District Judge- Chickasha
Interesting Fact Married to former State Representative Susan Winchester, (R, Chickasha)

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DEBORAH B. BARNES
Age 45
Position Judge of the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals
Appointed by Governor Brad Henry-Democrat
How Long on Court 2008- present
Background Private Practice ,Staff Attorney for State Supreme Court
Interesting Fact Sworn into office by her Father-in-law, a former Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice
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DOUG GABBARD II
Age 58
Position Judge of the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals
Appointed by Governor Brad Henry- Democrat
How Long on Court 2005-present
Background District Judge- Atoka/Broken Bow
Interesting Fact Recently announced plans to apply for opening on OK Supreme Court

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JOHN F. FISCHER
Age 59
Position Judge of the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals
Appointed by Governor Brad Henry- Democrat
How Long on Court 2007- present
Background Private Practice, Assistant Attorney General
Interesting Fact Fischer was born in Rush Springs

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LARRY E. JOPLIN
Age 64
Position Judge of the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals
Appointed by Governor George Nigh- Democrat
How Long on Court 1994- present
Background Private Practice, Assistant DA- Oklahoma County
Interesting Fact Married, three children