News & Events

FORMER PRIMARY OPPONENTS CONNORS AND LOWENSTEIN ENDORSE CHRIS EASTHOPE FOR JUDGE!

Margaret Connors and Joan Lowenstein, who were candidates for 15th District Court Judge during the August primary, have both endorsed Chris Easthope for Judge!

Connors, a former Washtenaw County assistant prosecuting attorney who was a candidate in the August primary for the seat sought by Easthope, praised Easthope's experience and integrity.

"I have known both candidates for over ten years," said Connors. "Chris Easthope is the most qualified of the two. He has the independence, work ethic, temperament, and impartiality that our next Judge needs. His experience in all areas of law covered by the District Court is unmatched. I hope you will join me in supporting Chris Easthope for Judge."

Lowenstein was also a candidate for the District Court seat in the August primary.

"I have worked closely with Chris Easthope for eight years," said Lowenstein, who practices law in the Ann Arbor office of Jaffe Raitte Heuer & Weiss, and serves on the Ann Arbor City Council with Easthope. "Chris has handled a variety of civil and criminal cases, serving hundreds of clients. We need a judge who sees the whole picture, not just one corner of it. Chris is the obvious choice."

"I am humbled and honored to have the support of Margaret and Joan, both of whom ran outstanding campaigns with honor and dignity," said Easthope. "I look forward to working with them in the coming weeks leading up to the November general election."

FALL KICKOFF FUNDRAISER ON SEPTEMBER 10!

Join us for the Fall Kickoff Fundraiser for Chris Easthope for Judge!

When: Wednesday, September 10
Time: 5:30 - 7:00pm
Where: Pizza House, 618 Church Street

Please e-mail annapartyka@yahoo.com with questions. Click here to contribute to the Chris Easthope for Judge campaign.

JUDGE DONALD SHELTON ENDORSES CHRIS EASTHOPE!

Washtenaw Circuit Court Judge Donald Shelton has endorsed Chris Easthope for Judge!

"Chris Easthope has the independence, experience, judgment, and temperament to be an excellent addition to the 15th District Court," said Judge Shelton. "I strongly support Chris Easthope for Judge."

Shelton was appointed by Democratic Gov. James J. Blanchard to the Washtenaw County Circuit Court bench in 1990. Prior to joining the bench, Judge Shelton served as Mayor of Saline (1978-1986) and as an Eastern Michigan University Regent (1987-1990).

"Judge Shelton has a distinguished record of progressive service to Washtenaw County," said Easthope. "I am honored to have his support."

Campaign Garden Party

Diana Jo Johnston & Family cordially invite you to attend the

Campaign Garden Party for Chris Easthope for Judge
Thursday July 31, 2008, at 805 Oxford Road, Ann Arbor MI 48104 (map)

Reception at 7:00 p.m. Remarks at 7:45 p.m.
RSVP to annapartyka@yahoo.com
Street parking available. Casual Attire.

Chris Easthope Receives "Strong Endorsement" from Triangle Pride PAC!

The Triangle Pride PAC has issued a "strong endorsement" of Chris Easthope for Judge! The Triange Pride PAC is "Michigan's leading Political Action Committee galvanizing the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and allied communities."

"I am honored to receive the support of the Triange Pride PAC," said Easthope. "I believe their endorsement reflects my commitment to equality and justice for every person who comes through our judicial system."

People interested in learning more about the Triange Pride PAC and their endorsement of Easthope can visit the group's website at www.trianglepridepac.org

Easthope ranked highest in Qualifications for Judicial Office by local attorneys!

"Today the Washtenaw County Bar Association released the results of its survey of local attorneys . I'm thrilled to announce I was rated highest in the most important category, "General Qualifications for Judicial Office." I was also the only candidate to receive an "above average" rating in every category. Moreover, more attorneys responded that they knew me and my qualifications over all the other candidates. I am honored by these results because Washtenaw County attorneys have firsthand knowledge about the traits and experiences required to be an effective Judge."

-Chris Easthope, Candidate for 15th District Court Judge

Chris Easthope Rated 'Well Qualified' By Women Lawyers Group

Chris Easthope has been highly rated as "Well Qualified" to be Judge by the Washtenaw Region of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. According to the group's guidelines, "to be rated well qualified, the candidate must have very good legal ability, wide experience, wisdom, intellect, insight, and impartiality. The candidate should have generally participated in civic, charitable, religious, or political activities in the legal community and professional bar organizations. The candidate should be acknowledged in the legal community as affirmatively espousing the position of all women in society and a demonstrated record of advancing women in the legal profession."

"I'm grateful to be acknowledged by the local Women Lawyers chapter as being well qualified for the position of Judge," said Easthope.

Great turnout for Ann Arbor 4th of July Parade

Volunteers joined Chris Easthope at the Jaycees' 4th of July parade through downtown Ann Arbor. Chris and the volunteers greeted and passed out candy to thousands of local families who came downtown to enjoy the parade.

15th District Court Chief Judge Julie Creal Endorses Chris Easthope!

Judge Julie Creal, the Chief Judge of the 15th District Court, has endorsed Chris Easthope. Creal has served as a 15th District Court Judge since 1999 and previously served as a member of the Ann Arbor City Council.

"Chris Easthope is the only candidate with substantial experience in all aspects of District Court practice," said Creal. "Chris has demonstrated a clear understanding of the needs and beliefs of the people of Ann Arbor through his service on City Council, as Mayor Pro-Tem, and in his volunteer work. His excellent reputation, along with his legal and community experience, will serve the residents of Ann Arbor very well on the District Court bench."

"I'm honored to have the endorsement of the 15th District Court's Chief Judge," said Easthope. "There's no time for on-the-job training, and I look forward to using my extensive experience in both criminal and civil law to work with Judge Creal to promote fairness and justice in the District Court."

15th District Court Magistrate Michael Gatti Endorses Easthope for Judge!

Michael Gatti, the 15th District Court Magistrate, has joined the growing list of prominant local attorneys who've endorsed Chris Easthope for 15th District Court Judge.

"I know the diversity and complexity of the District Court docket," said Magistrate Gatti. "Chris Easthope also knows this from years spent working for the people who use these courts. That is why Chris will make an excellent Judge. I wholeheartedly support his candidacy."

"I am thrilled to have Magistrate Gatti's support," said Easthope. "He knows that the 15th District Court's docket is specialized and there's no time for on-the-job training. I am grateful for Magistrate Gatti's service to the Court and for his support."

Interview with Chris Easthope

'Ann Arbor News' Daily Webcast - January 23, 2008

Prominent civil rights attorney Jean King endorses Chris Easthope!

Jean Ledwith King, one of Michigan's pre-eminent civil rights attorneys, has endorsed Chris Easthope for 15th District Court Judge.

"Chris Easthope's experience and his commitment to fairness and equality make him the best candidate for Judge," said King. "I enthusiastically support Chris' candidacy."

King, who practices law in the Ann Arbor area, has litigated many landmark cases involving women's rights. She is the Founder of the Women's Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Commission and a member of the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame. King . King is also an elected member of the Scio Township Board of Trustees.

"I am truly honored to have the support of Jean Ledwith King," said Easthope. "Her legacy of fighting for equality is an inspiration for every attorney and will guide me everyday as a member of the bench."

Chris Easthope's Campaign Kickoff Event Pictures

Join Chris for a Campaign Kickoff Event!

February 15, 2007- Chris Easthope will launch his campaign for 15th District Court Judge in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor! The event is open to the public. Join Chris, local attorneys, and local elected officials to help Chris begin his campaign with a blast:

Thursday, March 13
5:30 - 7:00pm
Pizza House
618 Church St.

Email Leigh Greden at LGreden@yahoo.com for questions about this event!

Chris Easthope Announces Candidacy For Judge!

December 2007- Ann Arbor City Councilman Chris Easthope announced his candidacy for 15th District Court Judge! Easthope is running to replace Judge Ann Mattson, who is retiring.

"Experience matters, and I look forward to using my experience as a full-time trial court attorney, public servant, and lifelong Ann Arbor resident to protect our community and make a positive difference in people’s lives," said Easthope.

"Ann Arbor’s next Judge must have the experience, temperament, and ability to hit the ground running," said Easthope. "There is no room for on-the-job training."