Supreme Court rules judge may stay on bench

LANSING (AP) -- The Michigan Supreme Court says a Lansing district court judge appointed by then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm may remain on the bench. Republican Attorney General Bill Schuette had argued that Hugh Clarke Jr.'s appointment in December to a 54-A District Court vacancy should have expired on Jan. 1 when the Democratic governor left office. Clarke's lawyer argued he's entitled to stay in office and face election in 2012. In a unanimous decision issued Tuesday, the justices sided with Clarke. Justices Michael Cavanagh and Marilyn Kelly didn't join five other justices in signing the main opinion, instead signing a concurring opinion. Clarke replaced Amy Krause, who was re-elected to the district court in November before being elevated by Granholm to the Michigan Court of Appeals. Published: Thu, May 19, 2011