With sincerest thanks,

Jim Wynn

“Voters — please pay attention. In this race a highly qualified and well-respected incumbent is being challenged by a marginally qualified opponent. It would be a sad day if she were to prevail.

Jim Wynn, 54, of Cary has served two long stints on the Court of Appeals, interrupted by a short one on the state Supreme Court (he was narrowly defeated in a try for election after being appointed to the high court). He was also twice nominated to the Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, but partisan politics kept him from being confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Wynn, a graduate of Marquette University’s law school who also holds an advanced legal degree from the University of Virginia, has been a distinguished judge on our state’s appeals court, where he has emphasized the importance of reviewing the merits of cases brought before the court, not simply dismissing them on technicalities. His re-election is endorsed by both Republican and Democratic former chief justices of the state Supreme Court. Wynn has also had a long career in the Navy and the Navy Reserve, where he serves part time as a military trial judge. He has been a leader in the American Bar Association as well.

Gibsonville lawyer Jewel Ann Farlow is Wynn’s challenger. She is a Wake Forest University law school graduate. Farlow, 50, has no experience as a judge or in a comparable job.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit Wynn’s Web site at judgewynn.com.

HIS OPPONENT: Find out more about Farlow at jewelannfarlow.com.”

The Greenville Daily Reflector also embraced Jim’s campaign:

“He’s a national leader in his profession, a creative thinker, clear writer and champion for the rule of law. Without question, he’s the strongest candidate for re-election of any judge on the statewide ballot.

His opponent is Greensboro attorney Jewel Ann Farlow, 50, who, despite practicing law for 20 years, has garnered little support locally. There’s no call for a dissenting opinion in this case: Wynn should be re-elected.“

The Independent reiterated its support for Jim:

“The Indy stands by its primary endorsement of James A. (Jim) Wynn over challenger Jewel Ann Farlow. Wynn was appointed by former President Bill Clinton to serve on the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, a decision blocked by the late U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms. Judges and lawyers describe him enthusiastically as a highly intelligent arbiter who avoids partisanship and ensures access to justice by all.“

Finally, the Wilmington Journal highlights:

“Judge Wynn is also a public official who serves beyond rendering important decisions from the bench. This paper has covered many community meetings and events dealing with saving our youth, improving education, and bettering the quality of life for all of us, where Judge Wynn was not only in attendance, but a featured participant.

Simply put, he cares, and that’s more than enough reason to keep this good man on the job.“

” … we believe one race merits particular attention from voters. In that race voters will have to choose between James Wynn, who has held the seat for 11 years, and challenger Jewel Ann Farlow, a Greensboro lawyer.

We highly recommend Wynn. He is a seasoned jurist with an outstanding record. His absence would be a loss.”

“The Court of Appeals hears almost all appeals from trial and regulatory agencies. The job demands good judgment. It also requires knowledge of the law, the ability to read quickly and analyze thoroughly and write clear decisions that interpret complex issues. Deciding whom to send to that court – or to the state Supreme Court – is one of the toughest assignments voters face. These nonpartisan races should not be political contests. The qualities that make someone an outstanding appellate judge are best detected not from a campaign, but from examining records and watching in the courtroom. Few outside legal circles get that opportunity.

This race stands out. Farlow is by all accounts an able attorney. But James Wynn is a superior jurist with deep experience. There is no reason to make a change.”

“Judge James Wynn deserves our active support as he tries to retain his seat on the N.C. Court of Appeals. He is one of this state’s most distinguished and experienced law men. He has served us well and should be allowed to continue to do so.”

“There isn’t a more dedicated, experienced and socially aware jurist sitting on the NC Court of Appeals than Judge James A. Wynn, Jr. … The Wilmington Journal wholeheartedly endorses NC Appellate Court Judge James A. Wynn, Jr. for re-election.”

“Judge Wynn’s integrity, his record on the bench and his demonstrated intellectual capacity best qualify him for the seat … Judge James Wynn has been an outstanding jurist for the Navy and this state. We recommend his re-election.”

“Wynn looks like a sure thing, at least through Round One. A veteran of nearly 18 years on the bench, he served on the state Supreme Court, was nominated by President Clinton for a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals in Richmond, commanded the Navy’s Reserve Judicial Unit and chairs the Judicial Division of the American Bar Association” and that “Wynn has become a strong advocate of nonpartisan judicial elections.”

he News & Observer has also reported on my re-election bid, saying that

“[t]he race for the N.C. Court of Appeals seat held by James A. “Jim” Wynn Jr. pits two political newcomers against a longtime incumbent who is the senior associate judge on the bench … Wynn, chairman of the judicial division of the American Bar Association, has bipartisan supporters, including three former chief justices of North Carolina” and that Wynn emphasized that his “only agenda on the Court is to discharge my duty to uphold our Constitution and our laws, rather than to attempt to satisfy the popular or political climate at the moment.”