Judge race in Lisbon has ‘uncomfortable' moments
LISBON, Ohio (WKBN) – Having served on Columbiana County's Municipal Court for the last nine months, Judge Kelly Linger is now hoping her experience will win her a full term on the bench.
'I had spent 18 years practicing law. I did criminal defense. I did prosecution. I've done civil work — plaintiff and defense. I've done all different kinds of law,' Linger said.
Linger is being challenged by Assistant County Prosecutor Danielle Menning.
'I've always wanted to be somebody that can serve the public, and I'm confident that I can do that really well,' Menning said.
Menning was hired in the prosecutor's office in 2020 and is now assigned to juvenile court.
Linger was hired as an assistant prosecutor a year later but was appointed last July by Governor Mike DeWine to fill a vacancy on the court.
Over the past couple of months, the race has become contentious. This month, Linger's campaign was hit with a cease and desist letter over radio ads referring to her opponent as 'Democrat Danielle,' which is false.
On the other side, a grievance was filed against Menning with the Ohio Supreme Court by party leaders accusing her of putting out campaign information that was deliberately false and misleading.
'I've run a clean campaign. I have not slung any mud, and I will continue to do that,' Menning said.
'It's both ways. I don't condone it. It's uncomfortable. It's uncomfortable for everyone,' Linger said.
As the campaign winds down, both candidates hope their personal messages get through to the voters.
'The most important thing people need to know is that this race truly comes down to experience and who's the most qualified candidate,' Linger said.
'I definitely want to remain the person that I am, always stand true to my values and what I want to do,' Menning said.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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