And Justice For All

Voters on Nov. 6 will get the rare opportunity to fill an open seat on Washtenaw County's 22nd Circuit Court bench and it's a choice between two attorneys who are political opposites. Ann Arbor resident Carol Kuhnke, a pro-choice Democrat, is running against Ypsilanti resident Jim Fink, a pro-life conservative who leans Republican. Read the story.

Primary Night in Ann Arbor — Aug. 7, 2012

Three new faces will join the Ann Arbor City Council in November after Tuesday's primary turned out wins for Sumi Kailasapathy, Sally Hart Petersen and Chuck Warpehoski. That means Mayor John Hieftje and his ruling coalition have three months before they lose their 7-4 majority. Meanwhile, Andy LaBarre won his race for the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, and Adam Zemke won his race for state representative in the 55th District. Evan Pratt came out ahead in his race for county water resources commissioner, and attorneys Jim Fink and Carol Kuhnke advanced as 22nd Circuit Court judicial candidates. Read an analysis on how the council races played out.

Judging Jim

Jim Fink was put in the hot seat Saturday afternoon at the Washtenaw County Democratic Party's judicial candidate forum in Pittsfield Township. Fink, one four attorneys competing for an open Circuit Court judge seat, was asked to explain his Republican leanings, while the three other candidates made it known they're Democrats. Before the forum started, someone anonymously distributed dozens of copies of a homemade attack flier carrying the headline "What Washtenaw Democrats should know about Jim Fink," calling him anti-gay and anti-choice. Read the story. "If you look at my website, you will find that I am supported across the board, which is what a judge should be," Fink said. "I've been practicing law for 18 years and I've spent those 18 years pursuing justice for my clients in the court," Carol Kuhnke said. "I've been in private practice now for the past five years," Erane Washington said. "In a room full of Democrats, you can trust that I share your values," Doug McClure said.