Judicial election removes questions

Secretary of State Beth Chapman’s decision to place the Morgan County Place 3 district judgeship on the ballot this year is apparently the correct ruling, according to state law.

A legislative act created the badly needed judgeship and funding. Gov. Bob Riley appointed Charles Langham to the post in January, and Judge Langham began hearing cases Feb. 8. But he stopped hearing cases a month later, after state Rep. Ronald Grantland, D-Hartselle, filed a lawsuit saying an election should fill the position.

Ms. Chapman, who like Mr. Langham is a Republican, is the arbitrator of state elections. Her office notified Probate Judge Greg Cain this week that the judgeship should be on primary election ballots.

Now that the question is settled and an election set for the earliest possible date, Judge Langham, as expected, will be a candidate.

The election comes because of no fault on Judge Langham’s part. The judgeship was open and, like other candidates, he applied, and received the appointment.