Nixa rep seeks judicial seat left vacant by death of Orr

Following the May 30 death of Christian County Circuit Judge Mark Orr from cancer, the 38th Circuit Court has a seat to fill and it's shaking up the ballot in Christian and Taney counties.

Earlier this year, Rep. Kevin Elmer, R-Nixa, opted not to seek re-election to the Missouri House, instead throwing his hat in the ring for associate circuit judge Division 2 with four other Republican contenders: Doug Bacon, Ron Cleek, Laura Johnson and Patty Shilling. But as of June 10, Elmer has withdrawn his name from the race, opting to pursue a nomination for Orr's more prominent seat.

"I've weighed the options and am confident in the nomination," Elmer said.

Elmer said the vacant judicial seat will be filled through special election in November, but could be filled sooner through gubernatorial appointment.

"The governor can appoint someone to fill the seat for the rest of the year, through Dec. 31," he said. "Starting Jan. 1, 2015, the seat will be filled by whomever wins the special election in November."

Elmer said the Republican Central Committees of Christian and Taney counties – which comprise the 38th circuit – currently are forming a voting committee to nominate a candidate.

The voting committee comprises the chair and vice chair of each county's central committee, as well as the chair and vice chair from the five state representative districts who represent the counties, one of which is Elmer.

The group will meet at 7 p.m. June 17 in the Taney County courthouse to vote.

The Democratic Central committees could engage in the same process to place a challenger on the November ballot.

Elmer said he withdrew his name from the associate circuit judge Division 2 ballot before receiving the circuit judge nomination because timing was curtail.

"If I didn't do it now and they had to reprint the ballots next week, it could run me upwards of $40,000," he said.

Christian County Clerk Kay Brown said the last day to certify ballots was May 27 for the Aug. 5 primary. Even though Elmer missed the date by more than a week, Brown said she has yet to receive a proof of the ballots from the printer.

"I told him he could remove his name if he did it now," she said. "I can't wait until next week. As soon as I get that proof, I have to go. That is my duty."

Despite circulated rumors, Brown said she has no official word from the governor or attorney general's office of an appointment to fill the seat through Dec. 31.

Retiring Associate Circuit Judge John Waters currently is handling Orr's duties.[[In-content Ad]]