Everett, Wash.
Published: Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Incumbent Eric Lucas holds slim lead over David Hulbert in Snohomish County Superior Court race

By Diana Hefley
Herald Writer

 EVERETT -- In a rematch for a seat on the Snohomish County Superior Court bench, incumbent Judge Eric Lucas was leading former judge David Hulbert by a small margin in the early returns Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Snohomish County deputy prosecutor George Appel and private attorney Joe Wilson appear to be headed to November's general election in the other contested county judicial race. Appel led Wilson by less than 2,000 on Tuesday night.

Their opponent Jim Johanson, a private attorney in Edmonds, planned to begin picking up his campaign signs this morning. He conceded Tuesday night that he doesn't expect the votes to swing his way. He trailed Wilson by about 9,500 votes.

"We worked hard. We had a good campaign plan," Johanson said Tuesday night. "I was surprised to see the numbers as low as they were. I don't think they'll change much."

While the race between Lucas and Hulbert will be decided in the primary, both men said Tuesday's results were too close to claim a victory or defeat.

"We're happy to be in the lead," Lucas said. "I don't ever call the percentages, though. We'll just keep watching."

Lucas led Hulbert by just over 2,300 votes. Approximately 78,000 votes, or about 22 percent of the ballots issued, had been counted Tuesday.

Hulbert, who lost his seat to Lucas in 2004, said it was too early to concede.

"It's close. Obviously we'd like to see the numbers reversed," Hulbert said. "We'll have to wait and see what tomorrow's results bring."

Lucas, 54, solidly defeated Hulbert, 56, four years ago. His victory marked the first time in decades voters chose a newcomer over a seated, established judge.

The expected retirement of longtime Superior Court Judge Richard Thorpe left the door open to Appel, Wilson and Johanson.

Appel, 43, of Marysville, has been campaigning on his years of trial experience as a Snohomish County deputy prosecutor. He's been with the office since 1994, prosecuting homicides, rapes and drug and theft cases. He's also argued cases in the state Court of Appeals.

"The early results are encouraging," Appel said Tuesday.

Wilson, 47, of Everett, also was pleased by the numbers.

"I think the work we've done to get my message out about my legal experience and community work has paid off," he said.

Wilson is an Everett native whose father served as a Superior Court judge. He has run a general practice since 1995. Wilson said his years of community service and life experiences give him the right background to take a seat on the bench.

He's a longtime volunteer with Snohomish County Legal Services, providing legal help to low-income clients. He's also volunteered with the Center for Battered Women.

Wilson said his own past run-ins with the law also give him valuable experience to be a good judge. Wilson was convicted in 1984 and 1986 of drunken driving. He also was charged with drunken driving in 1995, a case which eventually led to a reckless driving conviction.

Reporter Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463 or hefley@heraldnet.com.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA