One election this year won’t be touched by the expected tidal wave of Democratic voters turning out to support Barack Obama: the contest for Fifteenth District judge. The successor to retiring judge Ann Mattson will be elected in a nonpartisan vote.

August’s primary cut the field from four people to two: Chris Easthope, who’s represented the Fifth Ward on city council since 2000, and Washtenaw County first assistant prosecutor Eric Gutenberg, who’s been with the prosecutor’s office since 1989.

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Lisa Reardon Pleads Guilty
Mystery author to serve 4-17 years.

On a Roll
Skateboarders out to raise $1 million.

Cleaning up Allen Creek
What's with all the dirt near Pioneer?

A Home for Handicapped Riders
TRI plans a new arena.

Money-Saving Merger
As membership falls, chambers join.

January 2010 Crime Map
A cold month for crime