By Marie McCain
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The only contested race for a Hamilton County Common Pleas judgeship is a study in contrast.

Bruce B. Whitman, the Democratic-endorsed candidate, was born in Chicago, raised in Cincinnati and got his law degree from the University of Cincinnati. With 22 years of local experience, he works in private practice. While he is experienced in criminal defense, Mr. Whitman has made a name for himself as a civil litigator.

Frederick D. Nelson, the Republican-endorsed candidate, was born and raised in Cleveland and got his law degree from Harvard Law School. He moved to Cincinnati in 1987 and joined a local law firm, where he worked as a civil attorney for two years. The bulk of his career, though, has been spent outside Cincinnati, working in two presidential administrations and as an adviser and legal counsel to Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio. Mr. Nelson also addressed legal reform issues in the Ukraine and Russia. He now runs a public policy firm in Cincinnati and is a member of the state Board of Uniform Law.

Mr. Whitman, 50, is married with two sons, ages 15 and 12, and lives in Clifton.

Mr. Nelson, 44, is engaged, has no children and lives in Walnut Hills.

Both men believe their experience, legal knowledge, respect for the law and the people of Hamilton County will serve them well.

The seat each man hopes to attain is being vacated by retiring Common Pleas Judge Fred Cartolano. The new term begins in February and lasts six years.

In August, Mr. Whitman protested Mr. Nelson's inclusion on the November ballot, contending that Mr. Nelson is not eligible to run for judge because he has not practiced law in Ohio for a total of six years. Mr. Nelson denies the allegations.

Ohio's secretary of state ruled that Mr. Whitman's claims should have been filed before the May primary. An appeal is pending before the Ohio Supreme Court.

Mr. Whitman believes it is his legal experience in front of the bench that will make him a good judge on the bench.

"There is a need for people like me to become judges who have been trial attorneys. As a judge presiding over cases, I will expect a very high quality of debate in my court," he said.

As a Common Pleas judge, Mr. Nelson promises to follow the law without imposing his personal biases from the bench.

"This election is not about who defends or prosecutes the most criminals. This is about who is going to be the best judge," Mr. Nelson said.

E-mail mmccain@enquirer.com