Former Appeals Court Judge Wendell Griffen sends along his announcement for the circuit judgeship vacated by the removal of Willard Proctor. It includes a broad campaign committee and news of a fund-raiser to be attended by former Razorback basketball coach Nolan Richardson.
Speaking of Judge Proctor’s court: A proposal to reassign his caseload to Circuit Judge Mary McGowan has been withdrawn. She has suggested instead that the attorney general be asked for an opinion on whether the seniority system under which the proposal was made conflicts with the Hunt decree. The Hunt case created majority black judicial election subdistricts. The caseload will remain with Judge Ernest Sanders, appointed to serve until Proctor’s successor is elected.
Wrightsville District Judge Rita Bailey and Causley Edwards have also announced as candidates for Proctor’s seat.