Jennifer Barnes (Michigan)

Jennifer Cass Barnes was a judge for the 74th District Court in Michigan. She was appointed by Governor Jennifer Granholm on April 22, 2010 to fill the seat vacated by Scott Newcombe. Barnes served from June 1, 2010 until December 31, 2010.

2010 judicial election

See also: Michigan judicial elections, 2010

Barnes was defeated by challenger Mark Janer in the general election on November 2, 2010.

Endorsements

• The Bay City Times - To read the endorsement, click here.

Ballot lawsuit

Bay City attorney Kim A. Higgs has filed a petition with the courts requesting that Barnes be blocked from being referred to as "incumbent" on the ballot. Higgs filed the petition on behalf of attorneys Mark E. Janer and Stevens J. Jacobs, who are also running for election to the court. Saginaw County Circuit Judge Fred Borchard will rule on the case in early June.

It has been decided that Barnes should be designated as incumbent on the ballot, according to the state's Constitution. It specifically dictates that sitting judges "shall" be designated as such. Of the ruling, Barnes said, "It makes it now abundantly clear that the appointment process was proper, that my qualifications are proper and that the incumbency designation is required by Michigan law".

External links

• 74th District
• Bay City Times "Our Voice: Resign the appointment, Judge Barnes, and fly toward election with the other legal eagles," May 9, 2010