The state bar association's 25-member Commission on Judicial Candidates evaluates candidates on non-partisan criteria: legal knowledge and ability; professional competence; judicial temperament; integrity; diligence; personal responsibility; and community service.
To be recommended, candidates need the vote of at least 60 percent of the screening panel. To be highly recommended, they need at least 70 percent.
Fischer, O'Connor and Eleventh District Court of Appeals Judge Cynthia Westcott Rice, a Democrat, are highly recommended. Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge John P. O'Donnell, a Democrat, is recommended.
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