LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Another lawsuit has been filed challenging the eligibility of a candidate running for a circuit judgeship in Arkansas whose license was temporarily suspended for nonpayment of annual dues.
The latest suit was filed against 6th Judicial Circuit Judge Tim Fox, who serves Pulaski and Perry counties and is seeking re-election. The lawsuit, filed by Little Rock attorney Matt Campbell on behalf of resident John K. Kelly, claims Fox is ineligible because his law license was temporarily suspended for nonpayment of dues.
Similar lawsuits have been filed against judicial candidates in Faulkner County ahead of the May 20 election.
Fox’s license was suspended for six weeks in 2013 because of nonpayment of annual dues, and the lawsuit alleges that Fox is ineligible for the ballot because state law requires that circuit judges be licensed for six years before taking office.
Fox declined to comment on the suit. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported Friday (https://bit.ly/1fRDJKf ) that his license was reinstated after the $200 licensing fee and $100 penalty were paid.
Fox was running unopposed because his challenger, Valerie Bailey, was removed from the ballot on similar grounds. Two weeks ago, a special judge ruled that Bailey was ineligible to challenge Fox in Pulaski County because her license had been suspended for about nine years while she lived out of state.
In Faulkner County, lawsuits have been filed challenging the eligibility of Circuit Judge H.G. Foster and candidate Angela Byrd, who are running for separate judgeships. In a statement Thursday, Foster said he believed he’d be vindicated.
“I have confidence in the favorable application of the law to this case. In addition, I have confidence in my qualifications to do this job, not only because I have been serving as judge for the last year and half, but because of my 34 years of legal practice including my tenure as prosecuting attorney for the 20th Judicial Circuit,” the statement said.” . I am truly saddened by the negative tone that this campaign has taken but I promise, if fortunate enough to be elected, I will continue to be an independent member of the judiciary for the 20th District.”
The lawsuits are all pending in Pulaski County.
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Information from: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, https://www.arkansasonline.com
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