Ohio Supreme Court Race: Donnelly vs. Shanahan – Voter Guide for Seat 2
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Michael Donnelly, a Democrat from Cleveland, is seeking re-election for a second six-year term. He faces off against Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge Megan Shanahan, a Republican.
Michael Donnelly (D)
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Michael Donnelly, a Democrat from Cleveland, is running for re-election to a second six-year term. Donnelly, who previously served on the common pleas court bench, advocates for fairness, transparency, and data-driven decision-making in the judicial system. His platform includes:
- Criminal Sentencing Database: Donnelly supports creating a database to reveal biases in criminal sentencing.
- Faster Action on Innocence Claims: He wants laws changed to ensure judges act more swiftly on claims of actual innocence.
- Plea Deal Standards: Donnelly insists plea deals should be based strictly on case facts.
Donnelly has authored nearly 30 “jurisdictional dissents,” arguing that the court should have taken up certain cases. He contends that transparency is vital in the judiciary. Despite criticism from Republicans of “legislating from the bench,” Donnelly maintains his commitment to applying the law impartially.
Key Rulings:
- Open Records: Dissented in decisions limiting public access to certain records.
- Utility Company Fees: Wrote the majority opinion striking down an unfair fee imposed by FirstEnergy.
- Wrongful Convictions: Supported the creation of a task force for integrity in convictions.
- Redistricting Maps: Voted against unconstitutional redistricting maps.
- Boneless Chicken Wings: Authored a dissent in a case involving misleadingly named “boneless” wings.
Megan Shanahan (R)
Judge Megan Shanahan, a Republican from Hamilton County, is running against Donnelly. Shanahan, known for her courtroom management, has highlighted her experience and key rulings:
- High-Profile Cases: Managed the murder trial of former UC police officer Raymond Tensing and a complex medical malpractice case against Christ Hospital.
- Career Background: Shanahan switched from a planned career in aviation to law, earning her degree from the University of Cincinnati and working initially as an assistant prosecutor.
- Key Rulings:
- Open Court Records: Defended the right of a police officer to proceed anonymously, a decision later overturned by the Supreme Court.
- Death Penalty: Sentenced Glenn Bates to death, later reduced to 25 years in prison after ineffective counsel was found.
- Banking Contracts: Supported a bank’s claim in a case involving a $77 million loan, with further appeals pending.
Both candidates bring distinct experiences and perspectives to the race for the Ohio Supreme Court, highlighting their respective judicial philosophies and key decisions
Also Read: Following Feedback, Cleveland Schools Bring Back ‘Get More Opportunities Fund’
