Spokane Municipal Court races are non partisan, but the County Republican Party is weighing in on one of the races and criticizing Judge Tracy Staab.

The GOP's problem with Staab is not judicial activism or any decision she's made. Instead, it's residence.

As in, Staab doesn't live in the city. The county executive board concluded at a recent meeting that "a municipal court jduge, like any other elected office, should be required to live within the position's respective jurisdiction."

This issue came up when Mayor Mary Verner nominated Staab for the newly created seat on the bench. Councilman Bob Apple voted against her, saying he thought the judges should live in the city, but all the other councilmembers voted for her and she got the appointment.

Staab is the only appointed municipal judge to draw a challenger in the election. She faces Bryan Whitaker.

GOP didn't say whether it's endorsing Whitaker...just that it's opposing Staab.

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