11 Write-Ins Challenge Judge Facing Charges

A Superior Court judge charged with child molestation and possession of child pornography will face opposition from 11 write-in candidates in next month’s primary election, county officials said Tuesday.

Only Judge Ronald C. Kline’s name will appear on the March 5 ballot, but voters may pencil in one of the write-ins.

Voters who do so must also punch the ballot. In the past week, four lawyers, including retired Judge Dan C. Dutcher, joined the race for Kline’s seat before Tuesday’s deadline to register as an official write-in candidate. If Kline fails to win more than 50% of votes cast in his race for judicial office No. 21, there will be a run-off election in November. Kline has pleaded not guilty to the charges.