Mendaloff withdraws candidacy for district attorney

Alex Mendaloff III, citing military duties, withdrew his candidancy for a newly-created District Court judicial seat.

Citing new obligations with his military service, attorney Alex Mendaloff withdrew his candidacy for a new district court seat.

Mendaloff had filed to run for a seat created when the state legislature split the 22nd Judicial District into two parts last year.

Iredell and Alexander counties are now in District 22A while Davie and Davidson counties are in 22B.

Mendaloff had filed for the new judgeship for Iredell County on the first day of filing, Feb. 11.

He said Monday that his recent appointment as senior defense counsel for the JAG Corps with the N.C. National Guard is the reason for his withdrawal from the race.

“Trial Defense Services is new to the N.C. Guard, and I will set up and manage this new section,” he said. “TDS is responsible for providing defense services to all National Guard soldiers in the state. This is not a full-time position with the military, but it will take a lot of additional manhours and work schedule flexibility that being a district court judge doesn’t afford.”

Unless another candidate files by Friday afternoon, local attorney Peter Smith is unopposed for the new seat.

Incumbent Lynn Gullett, who has filed for re-election to her district court judge’s seat, now has opposition for that post.

Attorney Christine Underwood filed paperwork on Monday announcing her intention of opposing Gullett.

There is also one new seat in Alexander County, and Taylorsville attorney Edward Hedrick is seeking that post.

One seat in Alexander County is also up for re-election, and incumbent Dale Graham has filed seeking another term.

No additional candidates have stepped forward for the new district attorney’s position for Iredell and Alexander.

Current 22nd Judicial District assistant ADAs Sarah Kirman and Alan Martin have filed for the post as has Rowan County ADA Michael Van Buren.

All three are Republicans meaning they will face off in a primary May 6.

Local attorney Joe Crosswhite is the only candidate who has filed for a Superior Court judgeship. This is not a new position, and it is currently held by Judge Kim Taylor, who has announced she doesn’t plan to seek re-election.

The filing period ends at noon Friday.

Posted on 02/26/08 at 08:38 AM
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