Wilkes
MARTINSBURG -- Eastern Panhandle Circuit Judge Christopher Wilkes apparently is planning a run at the state Supreme Court in 2012 as well.
Wilkes, a 55-year-old Republican, has filed pre-candidacy papers with Secretary of State Natalie Tennant's office. Wilkes lives near Martinsburg. The official candidate filing period begins Jan. 9.
Wilkes became the second judge from the 23rd Judicial Circuit judge to file pre-candidacy papers for the Court, joining fellow Republican John C. Yoder. Yoder lost to current Justice Thomas McHugh in a special 2010 election by less than 8,000 votes.
Wilkes and Yoder are joined by current Supreme Court law clerk Allen Loughry on the GOP ballot.
On the Democratic side, current Justice Robin Jean Davis is running for her seat again. She is joined in the primary race by Circuit Judges Jim Rowe and J.D. Beane and attorney Tish Chafin. McHugh is not seeking re-election.
After the primaries, the top two vote-getters in the general election will gain 12-year seats on the bench.