The two current members of the Michigan
Supreme Court who will appear on the November ballot have a significant
fundraising lead over other candidates seeking one of the three open seats.
Justice Stephen Markman leads all candidates
by raising over $405,000 and having nearly $350,000 on hand. Justice Markman
was appointed to the bench in 1999 and is seeking reelection to a full term.
Justice Brian Zahra follows closely having
raised just over $402,000 and maintaining just shy of $325,000 in cash on hand.
Justice Zahra was appointed to the bench in 2011 when former Justice Maura
Corrigan resigned for a post in the Snyder Administration as Director of the
Department of Human Services. He is now running for the term ending 2014.
The third open seat exists with Justice
Marilyn Kelly’s inability to seek reelection due to age restrictions in the
Constitution.
Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Colleen
O’Brien and Court of Appeals Judge Jane Markey are vying for the GOP’s third
nomination to be determined at the Republican’s State Convention in early
September.
At the Democratic State Convention, Oakland
District Judge Sheila Johnson, Wayne Circuit Judge Connie Kelley and University
of Michigan law Professor Bridget McCormack will be seeking the Party’s nod for
the court seats.