JUSTICE MELODY STEWART “HITS THE RIGHT NOTES” AD
View the ad:
Before I was elected to the Ohio Supreme Court, even before I became a lawyer, I was a pianist. Before my opponent was handed a seat on the Court by his family friend the governor, he was – and still is – a controversial politician. pic.twitter.com/Zf6Ktx1nbp
— Melody Stewart for Ohio Supreme Court (@Stewart4OhioSC) October 24, 2024
Ad Text: The narrator says, “When Melody Stewart’s on the bench, she keeps hitting all the right notes. With 18 years of appellate court experience, she rules based on the law which is why she’s endorsed by so many diverse organizations and rated highly by bar associations. Joe Deters is a long-time Republican crony with powerful friends, extremist views, and a questionable past. Justice Stewart is always in tune with the rule of law and she’ll protect our freedoms. Re-elect Melody Stewart to the Ohio Supreme Court.”
The accompanying X post reads: “Before I was elected to the Ohio Supreme Court, even before I became a lawyer, I was a pianist. Before my opponent was handed a seat on the Court by his family friend the governor, he was – and still is – a controversial politician.”
Articles referenced:
Joe Deters’ nearly eight years of practicing law on the side has led to ethical wormholes, Cincinnati Beat, September 7, 2016
Prosecutor says Deters will not face criminal charges, The Toledo Blade, July 28, 2004
Treasurer’s former aide pleads guilty, The Toledo Blade, July 24, 2004
Senator: Shame on Joe Deters for spending $16K on briefcases, The Cincinnati Enquirer, January 22, 2018
Endorsements referenced: AFL-CIO, the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Social Workers, and the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association.
Candidate ratings referenced: Judge4Yourself – The Asian American Bar Association, the Cuyahoga Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association rated Melody Stewart “excellent” and Joe Deters “not recommended.” The Norman S. Minor Bar Association rated Stewart “excellent” and the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association “good.” Deters refused to participate in interviews with both organizations.
Who's responsible for this ad?
This is a traditional candidate ad paid for by the Stewart for Ohio Supreme Court committee. From Jan. 2023 to September 2024, Melody Stewart’s campaign committee received over half a million dollars ($643,348.73 including monetary and in-kind donations). In the September 2024 report, her campaign reported having $634,450.90 available to spend in the race. To see contributions to candidates for the Ohio Supreme Court, visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s website. Examine top donations here.
Discussion and Analysis
Context provided by Jessica Dickinson, Outreach and Engagement Manager, Ohio Fair Courts Alliance
This race pits two incumbents and colleagues against one another – Justice Melody Stewart (D) and Justice Joe Deters (R). In January 2023, Deters was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine to the state’s highest court. This is a contentious race as Deters chose to challenge Stewart rather than running to retain his own seat.
The ad is a response to, and a play on, Deters’ attack ad, “Melody Stewart Hits the Wrong Notes.” Stewart makes sure to highlight her 18 years of appellate court experience prior to being on the Ohio Supreme Court, while stating that her opponent, who has no prior judicial experience, was given his seat on the Supreme Court by family friend, Governor Mike DeWine.
This is one of the more creative ads released this election, a welcome change from the popular “tough on crime”/”soft on crime” political advertisements.