For the first time in three years, Hamilton County voters will have some choices when they vote for judges on Tuesday.

        Four of the seven elections for municipal court judge are contested this year, with some incumbents facing tough fights to keep their seats.

        The competitive races are a far cry from the uncontested judicial elections that have been the norm in Hamilton County since 1998.

Check candidates and issues in four counties

        Until this year, 14 straight judicial races had come and gone without a single challenger.

        Some candidates say the big difference this year is the perception that voters are frustrated with the lack of choices and are ready to back some new names.

        Others suggest the increased competition is in response to Cincinnati's recent riots and unrest, which some link to dissatisfaction with the justice system.

        “There was a sense that there was an opportunity this time for some really competitive races,” said Tim Burke, the county's Democratic Party chairman.

        Municipal court is where most citizens come into contact with the justice system. The court handles everything from traffic violations and drunken driving to domestic violence cases.

        Democrats have held municipal court seats in largely Democratic districts, but have rarely challenged Republicans outside Cincinnati city limits, where the GOP is very strong. This year is different.

        The Democrats concede the District 4 race is a long shot for challenger Deborah Price Rambo, who is taking on incumbent Republican Ethna Marie Cooper. But the other races are hotly contested:

        In District 3, which stretches from Springfield Township to Roselawn, Judge Karla Grady is trying to fend off Democratic challenger Edward Felson.

        Mr. Felson, 45, has been involved in several civil-rights lawsuits, including one opposing police seizures of suspects' money. He's also known for spending a night in jail for contempt of court after he erased a blackboard that was being used in a trial.

        Judge Grady, 47, had nothing to do with the contempt case or the Roach case.

        “My campaign is not about (Mr. Felson). It's about me and why I'm the most qualified candidate,” Judge Grady said. The race in District 5 features two first-time candidates: Democrat Darlene Kamine and Republican Heather Russell. They are vying to replace retiring Judge Jack Rosen in a district that runs from Springdale to Loveland to Blue Ash.

        An assistant county prosecutor, Ms. Russell, 43, touts her experience with cases involving rape and domestic violence. “I have more experience with what goes on in that court,” said Ms. Russell. Ms. Kamine, 49, says her work as a former juvenile court magistrate taught her how to run a courtroom. And as the founder of ProKids, a group that fights child abuse and neglect, Ms. Kamine says she's proven she understands issues important to the community.

        The new face in District 7 has a well-known political name. Robert Winkler, 41, is vying to become the fourth member of his family to hold public office. His brother and father are judges; his mother is a former state representative.

        His Democratic opponent, James Kenney, has served six years on the municipal court in a district that includes the city's west side neighborhoods, as well as Delhi Township, Cleves and Harrison. Judge Kenney, 50, describes municipal court as the “people's court.”

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