J.B. Bennett, Republican candidate for Hamilton County Circuit Court judge, has earned the endorsement of two former Hamilton County Circuit Court judges: retired Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice William M. "Mickey" Barker and former Judge W. L. "Chink" Brown. Mr. Bennett has also gained the endorsement of former Hamilton County Chancellor Howell N. Peoples.
"I have known J.B. Bennett since he began practicing law," said former Chief Justice Barker. "He is respected by his peers and possesses all the qualities that make a good judge.
He is intelligent, has common sense, knows right from wrong and will apply the law fairly. He possesses a judicial temperament, and I wholeheartedly recommend his election as Circuit Court Judge."
A native of Chattanooga, Mr. Bennett has practiced law for more than 20 years with the local firm Spears, Moore, Rebman, and Williams. His practice has mainly been concentrated in the Circuit Court, where he handles highly complex cases and jury trials. J.B. has significant jury trial experience.
"I am a former Circuit Court judge. I have personally known J.B. Bennett for over 20 years," said former Judge Brown. "He practiced before me when I was on the bench. I believe he is well qualified to serve as Circuit Court Judge, and I strongly endorse him for that position."
Mr. Bennett is a graduate of Boyd-Buchanan High School. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and his Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law.
"In 32 years as a trial judge, I observed many lawyers and their legal knowledge, work ethic, temperament, sense of fairness, and above all, integrity— the essential traits for a judge," said former Chancellor Peoples. "J.B. Bennett possesses all of these traits and is uniquely qualified to be a judge. It is my privilege to strongly endorse his election as Judge of the Circuit Court of Hamilton County."
Mr.. Bennett and his wife Robin have been married for 13 years. They reside on Signal Mountain.
"Receiving the support of former Judges Barker and Brown and former Chancellor Peoples is incredibly humbling," said Mr. Bennett. "These men are stalwarts in our community, having served Hamilton County with distinction, and I am honored to receive their endorsement."
Mr.. Bennett is seeking the Republican nomination for Hamilton County Circuit Court judge, Division 1. The primary election day is May 6, and early voting is April 16 through May 1.