The request to Municipal Court Judge Elizabeth Gutmann was filed Friday by the firm of Lopez, Severt & Pratt Co. in the Municipal Court.
One of the judicial candidates, Jeannine Pratt, is the wife of firm member Andrew Pratt.
Andrew Pratt signed the affidavit of disqualification that claims Gutmann has engaged in political activity on behalf of the second judicial candidate, Stacy Wall. The affidavit further alleges the judge made derogatory comments regarding the law firm’s character.
Gutmann filed an entry Monday afternoon in the Municipal Court asking for denial of the disqualification request.
“I deny the allegations of bias, prejudice and impartiality contained in the affidavit. I am confident I can remain impartial with regard to all cases involving Mr. Pratt or any members of his law firm, Lopez, Severt & Pratt Co. LPA,” Gutmann wrote.
“Jeannine Pratt is not a member of Lopez, Severt & Pratt, LPA, nor is she a judicial opponent of mine. The fact that she is running against Stacy Wall, with whom I am friends, bears no weight on my ability to be impartial in any cases involving Lopez, Severt & Pratt Co., LPA, or Mr. Pratt.”
Andrew Pratt wrote in his affidavit that he “does not believe the law firm … or its clients can receive fair and impartial adjudication(s) of their cases” based on the alleged actions.
Jeannine Pratt and Wall are Republican candidates for the court seat in the May election.
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