In poll, NKY attorneys back Smith for judge

From Enquirer reporter Jim Hannah:

Northern Kentucky lawyers say Jeff Smith is the most qualified candidate in the race for district judge in Boone and Gallatin counties, while opinions on the candidates for Campbell Family Court judge were much closer.

Smith, a Boone County assistant attorney for seven years, was rated “well qualified” or “qualified” by 213 lawyers in a judicial poll conducted by the Northern Kentucky Bar Association. His opponent, lawyer Rick Brueggemann of Union, got 86 “well qualified” or “qualified” votes.

Two lawyers rated Smith, husband of Boone Commonwealth’s Attorney Linda Tally Smith, as “not qualified.” while 94 rated Brueggemann as “not qualified.”

Smith was rated higher in the seven individual questions asked about his likely temperament on the bench, objectivity and integrity. In a race where experience has become an issue on the campaign trail, 206 lawyers said Smith has “sufficient legal experience” while 70 said Brueggemann was experienced enough for the judgeship.

In the poll, two lawyers said Smith didn’t have the legal experience required while 105 said Brueggemann lacked that experience.

Campbell Family Court Judge Gayle Hoffman, who was appointed in October to fill the vacant judgeship, was rated “well qualified” or “qualified” by 230 lawyers. Her opponent, Assistant Campbell County Attorney Richard A. Woeste, got 187 “well qualified” or “qualified” votes.

In the poll, 56 said Hoffman was “not qualified” compared to just 19 for Woeste.

Neither Hoffman nor Woeste could be reached Wednesday for comment.

“You just can’t argue with the results,” Smith said of his results. “They are pretty overwhelming.”

He said the lawyers who voted know what is required of a judge and the results reflect where they stand.

“It is pretty resounding,” Smith said. “It is a pretty strong statement from those who actually practice day to day in the courtroom.”

Brueggemann dismissed the results.

“It looks to me like he has more friends among the lawyers than I do,” he said.

When asked if he thought the survey was a popularity contest, Brueggemann said: “I think popularity has a part to play in it. I don’t think lawyers are above politics.”

Posted in: Boone County , Campbell County , Election 2010 , NKY Region |