DISCUSSION: JEAN MADDEN IS RUNNING AS A NON-PARTISAN, IS THIS HOW VOTERS WANT JUDICIAL CANDIDATES TO RUN?

In this video interview with Republican candidate for Stark County Common Pleas judge Jean Madden, viewers will note that she has opted to run as a non-partisan. Her opponent, Frank Forchione, has told the STARK COUNTY POLITICAL REPORT (The Report) that he is undecided whether to run as a non-partisan or as a Democrat.

An Ohio Supreme Court ruling now permits judicial candidates to run under a partisan label. The Report believes that as of the 2008 elections, it is an advantage to run as a Democrat in Stark County. It will be interesting to see what decision Forchione ultimately makes. In all likelihood, the decision will be made on whether or not he believes he is clearly ahead in the polls.

Question: From a voters perspective, is it desirable for a judicial candidate to run as a non-partisan or with a party label?