Munton nominated for 28th Circuit Judge
Republican Party leaders selected Dade County Associate Circuit Judge, David Munton, as their nominee for the office of Circuit Judge of the 28th Judicial Circuit during a meeting Tuesday evening in Stockton.
Thursday evening, the Democratic Party announced it is not naming any candidate for the office.
Judge James Bickel, who has held the office for more than 16 years had to step down as of July 24, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70. When the governor declined to nominate a replacement to serve through the end of this year, the Missouri Supreme Court appointed Bickel to fill the position until a new person is elected November 8 and takes office Jan. 1.
The Republican county chair from Vernon, Cedar, Dade and Barton counties, which make up the 28th circuit, each solicited a candidate from his or her county. Interviewed and then voted upon were Nevada attorney Brandon Fisher, Barton County prosecutor Steve Kaderly, Carthage attorney Judy Moore -- who lives in Barton County -- and Judge Munton of Dade County.
Munton, age 58, who was elected on the third ballot, has served as associate circuit judge in Dade County since 1994. Following his acceptance, he expressed his gratitude for the nomination, the service of Judge Bickel and pledged his commitment to equal justice under the law for everyone in the 28th Circuit.
"We were blessed to have such a strong field to interview and choose from. But with 22 years of service on the bench in this circuit, he knows all the ins and outs and so Judge Munton will be ready on day one to provide justice to the people of this area and lead the courts of this circuit," Barb York, Vernon County Republican Party Chair, said.