Judge Rhonda Wood to run for Arkansas Supreme Court post

Arkansas Court of Appeals Judge Rhonda Wood announced Monday (June 3) that she will be a candidate for the Arkansas Supreme Court, Position 3.

The election will be held in May 2014.

“I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Arkansas Supreme Court,” Woods said in a statement. “Our state and country need bold leaders in all branches of government.  After serving as circuit judge and now as judge on the Court of Appeals, I’m convinced more than ever that our judiciary needs fresh leadership.”

Woods serves as a judge in District 2 of the Arkansas Court of Appeals.

“When I ran for Court of Appeals people would always ask me, ‘Why should I vote for you?’” Wood stated. “My personal values are Arkansas values – faith, family, hard-working, conservative values.  Second, my judicial experience will serve the judiciary well.  I’ve made the tough decisions in the face of immense pressure,” Wood explained. 

Woods said that if elected to the Supreme Court the “Arkansas Constitution will be my guide.”
 
Wood formerly had a private law practice in Conway, was an associate at Williams & Anderson in Little Rock, and was assistant dean at the Bowen School of Law prior to taking the bench five years ago.

She is active in the Arkansas Bar Association, serving as a six-year delegate to the House, committee chair, liaison to the Legislature, contributor to several books, and has received many honors around the state for her service to the bar and her scholarship.
 
Wood received a bachelor’s degree from Hendrix, and her juris doctorate from the Bowen School of Law, with highest honors, as well as receiving the top score on the Arkansas Bar Exam. Wood is admitted and has practiced before:  the Arkansas Court of Appeals, the Arkansas Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and the U.S. Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis.
 
She  resides in Conway and is married to Dr. Michael Wood. They have four children.

Link here for more about Wood's candidacy.