Crowded field for judicial post
SANDPOINT — The field of candidates vying for the 1st District judicial vacancy has grown from a few to a crew.
Four attorneys, two prosecutors and three magistrate court judges are seeking the post, according to the Idaho Judicial Council.
The candidates are:
• Barbara A. Buchanan, a judge in the magistrate division of 1st District Court in Sandpoint
• Richard S. Christensen, a lawyer in private practice in St. Maries
• John “Jack” R. Douglas, the elected prosecutor for Boundary County
• Brent C. Featherston, a lawyer in private practice in Sandpoint
• Steven P. Frampton, a lawyer in private practice in Hayden Lake
• Jay P. Gaskill, a judge in the magistrate division of 2nd District Court in Lewiston
• Tevis W. Hull, chief deputy prosecutor for Boundary County and Sagle attorney who’s also running for Bonner County prosecutor
• Linda J. Payne, a lawyer in private practice in Coeur d’Alene
• Scott L. Wayman, a judge in the magistrate division of 1st District in Coeur d’Alene
First District Judge Steve Verby announced in August that he’s shifting to senior status, creating a vacancy on the bench. Verby will still hear cases once his senior status takes effect on Jan. 18, 2013.
Verby took office after prevailing in a three-way race during the 2002 election cycle. Featherston was edged out of the race in the primary and Verby went on to defeat Douglas in the general election.
The judicial council is using a selection process because Verby’s seat is not up for election during the current election cycle.
The initial vacancy announcement drew few candidates, prompting the council to extend the application deadline to Oct. 23. The judicial council is currently circulating an email questionnaire to the Idaho State Bar concerning the qualifications of the applicants.
Applicants will undergo personal interviews. The council will also check to see if any bar complaints have been filed against the applicants.
The Idaho Judicial Council is scheduled to meet in Sandpoint on Nov. 27 for additional interviews and selection of nominees.
The salary of a district judge is $114,300, according to the judicial council.