Getty Images/iStockphotoJudicial Poll results:General Sessions Court Incumbent Poll* Judge Christie Mahn Sell — 99.15 percent* Judge Clarence Shattuck — 98.76 percent* Judge Lila Statom — 95.05 percent* Judge Gary Starnes — 90 percent* Judge David Bales — 84.26 percentHamilton County Chancery Court — Part 1* Pam McNutt Fleenor — 74.58 percent* Joe Manuel — 25.42 percentHamilton County Circuit Court — Division 1* J.B. Bennett — 85.34 percent* Catherine Cate White — 9.91 percentStuart James* — 4.74 percentHamilton County Juvenile Court* Rob Philyaw — 92.44 percent* Yolanda Mitchell — 7.56 percent* The poll was conducted before Stuart James withdrew from the race; however, his name still will appear on the ballot because he did not notify local elections officials by the withdrawal deadline.Source: Chattanooga Bar Association
Recent Chattanooga Bar Association polls have shown overwhelming support for sitting General Sessions judges and clear approval of a candidate in each contested judicial race this year.
The polls were sent to most of the 800 Chattanooga Bar members. More than one-third, or 250, responded, according to the association.
Bar President Tim Mickel said polls are written into the association’s bylaws and aim to give the public an understanding of the opinions of local attorneys of the respective candidates for judge seats.
The two polls differ slightly. The incumbent poll serves to give a retention rating. Basically, do attorneys think a judge seeking re-election is doing a good job? The poll for open seats is meant to show if bar members have a preference for one candidate over another.