David McLeod
David McLeod was a 2016 candidate for the Position 17 seat on the Third Judicial District in Minnesota. He was defeated in the general election on November 8, 2016.
Biography
McLeod was born on January 6, 1969. He received a B.A. in U.S. history and political science from the University of Montana, a B.S. in paralegal studies from Winona State University, and a J.D. from William Mitchell School of Law. McLeod joined the Olmsted County Attorney's Office in 2001. He was a legal assistant of Olmsted County from 2000 to 2001 was a law clerk to Judges Lawrence T. Collins and Casey Christian from 1999 to 2000.[1]
Campaign themes
2016
McLeod participated in Ballotpedia's 2016 survey of local judicial candidates. The following sections display his responses to the survey questions. When asked what non-judicial legal experience qualifies him to be a judge, the candidate made the following statement:
| “ | My experience includes criminal and juvenile prosecution, civil law, family law, Minnesota Court of Appeals and Minnesota Supreme Court cases, and working for two District Court Judges in our District.[1][2] | ” |
When asked why he was running for this particular court seat, the candidate made the following statement:
| “ | I am running because I can better serve the needs of Wabasha County and the Third Judicial District. I believe my calm and respectful temperament distinguishes me from others. I can fairly and consistently apply Minnesota law as expected by attorneys and citizens alike.I am a viable nonpartisan candidate and, before the Governor chooses the next judge for Wabasha County, I felt compelled to give the voters a choice.[1][2] | ” |
When asked to identify one judge, past or present, who he admires, the candidate made the following statement:
| “ | The Honorable Lawrence T. Collins (RET.), Former Chief District Court Judge of Minnesota.[1][2] | ” |
When asked about his primary concern regarding today's judicial system in his state, the candidate made the following statement:
| “ | Ensuring that access to the courts remains intact for all citizens, as we transition into this electronic era.[1][2] | ” |
Elections
2016
Minnesota held general elections for local judicial offices on November 8, 2016. A primary election occurred on August 9, 2016. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was May 31, 2016.[3] Incumbent Terrence M. Walters defeated David McLeod in the Minnesota 3rd District, Position 17 general election.[4]
| Minnesota 3rd District, Position 17, General Election, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
 Terrence M. Walters Incumbent |
51.64% | 90,780 |
| David McLeod | 48.36% | 85,020 |
| Total Votes | 175,800 | |
| Source: Minnesota Secretary of State, "Unofficial Results Tuesday, November 8, 2016: Results for All Judicial Races," accessed November 9, 2016 | ||
| Minnesota 3rd District, Position 17, Primary Election, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
| Terrence M. Walters Incumbent |
58.21% | 10,836 |
| David McLeod |
25.88% | 4,818 |
| Gerald Scott Weinrich | 15.91% | 2,961 |
| Total Votes | 18,615 | |
| Source: Minnesota Secretary of State, "Primary Unofficial Results: Judicial," August 9, 2016 | ||
Selection method
- See also: Nonpartisan election of judges
Judges of the Minnesota District Courts are all chosen in nonpartisan elections to serve six-year terms. Candidates compete in primaries, from which the top two contestants advance to the general election. Sitting judges must run for re-election if they wish to serve additional terms. While party affiliation is not designated on the ballot, incumbency is. Sitting judges who reach the age of 70 while in office are allowed to serve until the last day of their birthday month.[5]
The chief judge of each district court is selected by peer vote for a two-year term.[5]
Judges of all courts are required to be "learned in the law" and under 70 years old.[5][6]
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Ballotpedia's local judicial candidate survey, 2016, "David McLeod's Responses," August 1, 2016
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Minnesota Secretary of State, "2016 Election Dates," accessed December 7, 2015
- ↑ Minnesota Secretary of State, "2016 State General Election Candidate Filings: Judicial Offices," accessed June 1, 2016
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 American Judicature Society, "Methods of Judicial Selection: Minnesota," archived October 2, 2014
- ↑ Office of the Revisor of Statutes, "2006 Minnesota Statutes," accessed July 30, 2014
Federal courts:
Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: District of Minnesota • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: District of Minnesota
State courts:
Minnesota Supreme Court • Minnesota Court of Appeals • Minnesota District Courts • Minnesota Problem-Solving Courts • Minnesota Tax Court • Minnesota Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals
State resources:
Courts in Minnesota • Minnesota judicial elections • Judicial selection in Minnesota
