Posted on Fri, Nov. 17, 2006

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S.C. Bar reports on judicial hopefuls

Candidates want family court seat in Georgetown

By Zane Wilson

The Sun News

One of four candidates for the family court judgeship in Georgetown County is unqualified, the S.C. Bar Association said. The organization also gave the highest marks for the job to the candidate who does not usually practice in the county.

Georgetown County Circuit Judge Paula Thomas, who is seeking a seat on the state Appeals Court, received equal marks with the other five candidates. All were found qualified.

The state bar's report on judicial candidates is a required part of consideration for appointment and is given weight when recommendations are made to legislators, who elect judges.

The bar's findings are not binding on lawmakers.

The bar said Reuben Goude, who has been practicing law since 1979, has "extensive general practice experience in both criminal and family law matters," but ruled him not qualified.

"Concerns were expressed by the bar regarding the candidate's erratic judgment and temperament," the report said.

Therefore, it is "the collective opinion that the candidate is not qualified to serve as family court judge," the report said.

Goude did not respond to a request for comment left at his office.

Anita Floyd, the candidate who has built her practice in Horry County, got the best rating of the four who are seeking the job to be vacated by Family Court Judge H.E. "Tez" Bonnoitt when he retires in June.

Candidates are required to be residents of the county. Floyd lives in the Mount Gilead community in Georgetown County but has mainly practiced in Horry County, mostly in family law. Her office is in Conway.

The bar said she has considerable experience in family law, is thorough and professional and has "above average legal knowledge." She would also have "an excellent judicial temperament," the report said.

Candidates Joe Crosby and Jan Bromell Holmes were also ruled qualified. Crosby was described as having "average legal knowledge" and an excellent judicial temperament. Holmes' legal knowledge was also rated average, with "appropriate" judicial temperament.

Floyd said she was "extremely humbled" by her rating. Daughter of longtime Horry County Circuit Judge Sidney Floyd, Floyd said she never considered being a judge herself but had been encouraged to run after Bonnoitt announced his retirement.

Though some lawyers in Georgetown County have complained because most of her practice is in Horry, Floyd said she has lived in Georgetown County for nine years, and the two counties are in the same judicial circuit.

"I have more ties with the entire circuit than the other candidates," Floyd said.

The Judicial Merit Selection Commission will hold public hearings on the candidates Dec. 5 and 6.

Noon today is the deadline to file testimony for or against a candidate.

The commission will make recommendations to legislators, who are expected to elect judges early in February.