Incumbent candidates who are running unopposed enjoy some obvious advantages — and no, that doesn't mean they can spend the work day lounging around in a smoking jacket, pipe in hand. Unopposed candidates can afford not to mount re-election campaigns, which means they can spend more time focusing on the job they were elected to perform. But there are also some advantages to having an opponent, which forces the candidate to get out in the community and campaign. District Judge Van Hampton's bid for re-election drew a challenge in the 2000 primary election from his Republican opponent, Terry Malone. Hampton won the primary and had no opposition in the general election. Four years ago, Hampton faced a challenge in the general election from Democratic attorney Leslie Hess. He defeated Hess, winning a third four-year term. This year, Hampton said he was relieved that he had not drawn an opponent in either the primary or the general election. "I believe now, after going through two opposed elections, that it's better to not have opposition," he said. "It really didn't add anything to the office." The judge, who is seeking his fourth term this year, said there is one advantage to having an opponent: It reminds candidates that voters are watching and holding them accountable. Running without a challenger Hampton is one of eight candidates on the county and state levels who have no opponent in the general ...
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Incumbent candidates who are running unopposed enjoy some obvious advantages — and no, that doesn't mean they can spend the work day lounging around in a smoking jacket, pipe in hand. Unopposed candidates can afford not to mount re-election campaigns, which means they can spend more time focusing on the job they were elected to perform. But there are also some advantages to having an opponent, which forces the candidate to get out in the community and campaign. District Judge Van Hampton's bid for re-election drew a challenge in the 2000 primary election from his Republican opponent, Terry Malone. Hampton won the primary and had no opposition in the general election. Four years ago, Hampton faced a challenge in the general election from Democratic attorney Leslie Hess. He defeated Hess, winning a third four-year term. This year, Hampton said he was relieved that he had not drawn an opponent in either the primary or the general election. "I believe now, after going through two opposed elections, that it's better to not have opposition," he said. "It really didn't add anything to the office." The judge, who is seeking his fourth term this year, said there is one advantage to having an opponent: It reminds candidates that voters are watching and holding them accountable. Running without a challenger Hampton is one of eight candidates on the county and state levels who have no opponent in the general ...