By Patrick Crowley
The Cincinnati Enquirer

NEWPORT - A judge with more than a decade of experience is joining the November judicial race for Campbell Circuit Court.

Campbell District Judge Greg Popovich of Fort Thomas, who has been on the bench for 11 years, has officially entered the race. His entry into what is a now a three-way race was expected.

A vacancy on the Campbell Circuit bench was created when Judge William Wehr retired. The winner of the November election will finish the rest of Wehr's six-year term, which runs through 2008.

Already in the race are:

• Julie Reinhardt Ward of Alexandria. She has been appointed to Wehr's seat by Gov. Ernie Fletcher and will be sworn into office May 17. Fletcher's appointment allows Ward, the daughter of Republican state Rep. Jon David Reinhardt of Claryville, to run as an incumbent.

• Fort Thomas lawyer Steve Franzen, who has practiced law for more than 20 years.

Chris Macke, a lawyer from Fort Thomas, is also considering the race. The filing deadline for the November general election is in August.

Popovich said in a statement announcing his campaign that he will point to his experience as he tries to attract support and votes.

Popovich noted that he has handled about 75,000 cases since he was elected judge. "This year he will be handling over 10,000 cases alone," his statement said.

Popovich also said that during 11 years on the bench he has:

• Helped craft a home-incarceration program for non-violent offenders that has been put into place in 20 other counties.

• Started a mandatory drug education program for first-time marijuana possession offenders.

• Was instrumental in acquiring $400,000 in state funds to hire courthouse security workers.

• Started the court-ordered use of an automobile interlock system for drunk drivers. The device renders motor vehicles inoperable if the driver has been drinking.

• Served as an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati, conducted seminars for circuit judges on legislative issues, judged mock trial competitions and participated in education-related programs and activities promoting civics.

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E-mail pcrowley@enquirer.com