Neighboring Judge-Elect in Hot Water

Judge Gary Johnson lost the election by 220 votes.

Longtime Nicholas County Circuit Judge Gary Johnson lost a close election this past May.

His opponent, Summersville lawyer Steve Callaghan, won the election by a mere 220 votes.

Many blame Johnson's loss on misleading advertising by Callaghan.  Shortly before the election, Callaghan's campaign sent out a postcard suggesting that Johnson was drinking beer with President Obama at the Whitehouse and that Obama and Johnson were conspiring together to kill coal jobs in West Virginia.  The postcard was a total fabrication. 

Steve Callaghan faces a one
year suspension.

Today, the Disciplinary Board of the West Virginia State Bar Association recommended to the West Virginia Supreme Court that Callaghan's license to practice law and his ability to be sworn in as the new judge for Nicholas County be suspended for a period of one year.  If the high court adopts that recommendation, Callaghan will not be able to serve as judge until January, 2018.

Attorneys for the Bar Association wanted a two year suspension.  Callaghan's attorney said the decision violates Callaghan's free speech rights and did not believe any suspension was warranted.