Hendricks wins Circuit Judge race

Fort Smith attorney Annie Powell Hendricks pulled in 54% of the vote to best Joseph Self in the race for Sebastian County Circuit Judge, Division 2.

The division handles civil family law. It’s an important bench in that one of it’s responsibilities is the adjudication of matters that are, ideally, in the best interests of children. Both candidates have practiced law in the area for many years and are respected and well-known attorneys.

Hendricks received 8,752 votes compared to 7,313 votes for Self, who works as the deputy prosecuting attorney for Sebastian County.

The bench opened up when Judge Harry Foltz announced he would retire when his term ends Dec. 31, 2010.

Sebastian County Circuit (Division 3) Judge Jim Spears was unopposed.

In other judicial elections, Court of Appeals Judge Courtney Henry was headed to a victory in the race for Arkansas Supreme Court Associate Justice Position 3 race. with 79% of polling locations reported, Henry had 56.68% of the vote compared to 43.32% for Judge John Fogleman.

A runoff is shaping up in the race for Arkansas Supreme Court Associate Justice Position 6. Court of Appeals Judge Karen Baker had gained 44.7% of the vote with 79% of precincts reporting, and Judge Tim Fox followed with 38,34% of the vote. Evelyn Moorehead was a distant third with 16.97%.