Republicans back Davis for municipal court vacancy

5/1/2011

Lawyer Mark Davis will run as the Republican candidate during the Nov. 8 election for a vacant seat on Toledo Municipal Court.

The Lucas County Republican Party endorsed Mr. Davis after a lengthy screening process on Saturday that included extensive interviews. Mr. Davis was one of four local lawyers vying for the endorsement.

He will face off against endorsed Democrat Michelle Wagner for the seat being vacated by the retirement of Democratic Judge Francis X. Gorman.

Mr. Davis, 42, has practiced law for 11 years in courts across northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. He grew up in Ottawa Hills and graduated from high school there.

Mr. Davis received his bachelor’s degree at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and his law degree at Ohio State University. His private practice includes civil and criminal cases.

This is the fourth time he has run for a judgeship.

Republican Party Chairman Jon Stainbrook said that each of those vying for the endorsement agreed to support the chosen candidate.

“We continue to have an open and inclusive screening process,” he said.

“A judicial screening committee was comprised of elected central committee members, ward chairmen, attorneys, elective officials, and the party faithful.”

The Lucas County Democratic Party last week endorsed Ms. Wagner, 44, of South Toledo. She has not run for office before.

Ms. Wagner has been the prosecutor in Sylvania Municipal Court since 1996.

She was a bailiff in Toledo Municipal Court for five years while attending law school at the University of Toledo.