AP: Ex-Cleveland appeals court judge named to Supreme Court

A former appellate judge defeated three years ago in one of the Ohio Supreme Court's most expensive and bitter elections was appointed to the court Monday by Gov. Bob Taft.

Terrence O'Donnell, 57, a Republican, replaces Justice Deborah Cook, 51, who was confirmed last week for a seat on the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati.

O'Donnell has worked as a visiting judge in several Ohio counties since dropping out of a race for another term on the 8th Ohio District Court of Appeals in February. O'Donnell said he wanted to concentrate on a run for the Supreme Court in 2004.

That race would have been for a seat being vacated by retiring Justice Francis Sweeney, a Cleveland Democrat.

O'Donnell "is experienced, firm and fair," Taft said. "He respects the law but also the rights of those who come before the court."

O'Donnell is to be sworn in May 19. He promised Monday to be impartial and judge every case on its merits, "without any preconceived ideas about its outcome."

O'Donnell will likely join a conservative majority that was solidified with last November’s election. He must run next year for the post he was just appointed to, and the winner must run again in 2006, when Cook's term expires. Four high courts seats will be up for election in 2004.

Click here for the full story from the Associated Press.

Click here for facts about newly-appointed Justice Terrence O'Donnell.

For a photo and accompanying story from the Columbus Dispatch (published Saturday on speculation O'Donnell was about to be chosen, click here (subscription site - paid access only).