McSwain retiring from the bench?
Twelve seats on the Guilford County District Court bench are up for election this year, and with the filing period ending at noon today the big headline is Lawrence McSwain.
The veteran judge, and former chief, hasn't filed to run for re-election.
It looks like he's not going to, because three other candidates have filed for his seat: Betty J. Brown, Charles L. "Chuck" White and Lora Christine Cubbage.
If McSwain were running, most likely he'd be unopposed.
At this moment, seven sitting judges lack any opponent: Sherry Alloway, Susan Bray, Michelle Fletcher, Patrice Hinnant, William K. "Pete" Hunter, Chief Judge Joseph E. Turner and Teresa Vincent.
That could change by noon. It would surprise me if Fletcher got a free ride. The former assistant DA was just appointed to the bench by Gov. Mike Easley last month.
It's a bit of a surprise about Hunter, too. The High Point resident drew unfavorable news coverage last year when The News & Observer of Raleigh identified him as the most lenient judge in the state on drivers charged with going 100 mph or faster.
Still, McSwain is the big story. The highly regarded, long-term judge has a particular passion for juvenile welfare and justice. His retirement would be a real loss for the bench iin Guilford County.
I placed a call to him yesterday but haven't heard back. I'll update when I learn more.
Comments (7)
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If true, if he's not running, that's a real loss for all of us. What a class act he is.
Posted on February 29, 2008 11:47 AM
He is officially not running for re-election.
Posted on February 29, 2008 12:45 PM
Furthermore, all the judges listed above as unopposed are officially unopposed after the filing deadline.
Posted on February 29, 2008 1:28 PM
I just missed a callback from Judge McSwain. He left a brief message, including this statement:
"I think it's time in my life to move on and let someone else have a chance."
He promised to call back Monday to talk further, so I'll write more then.
Posted on February 29, 2008 5:18 PM
Greensboro's justice system, especially juvenile justice, will lose a great champion when Judge McSwain retires.
Best wishes to him in whatever follows.
Posted on February 29, 2008 5:24 PM
For the past couple of weeks, the word was circulating around the courthouse that Judge McSwain was going to retire at the end of his term.
I know the three lawyers that are running for McSwain's seat and I'm sure that they wouldn't have filed if McSwain was running for re-election.
I've known Judge McSwain for over 25 years. I remember when he was an assistant district attorney in traffic court.
I have had some interesting conversations with him about one of his favorite topics: the history of the old west. He is fascinated with the cowboys and the legends that dominated that era. And, he has made many travels out west to certain historical sites.
He is very knowledgeable about this topic and he speaks with great enthusiasm about it. I think that he should consider a second career as a college professor.
Posted on February 29, 2008 9:17 PM
Wendell,
I'm happy you filed to run for an at-large seat on the county commissioners and look forward to your campaign.
Posted on February 29, 2008 10:48 PM