By KEVIN NEVERS

Both incumbent Porter Superior Court judges won their races on Tuesday.

Republican Roger Bradford—one of only two Republican incumbents in a countywide race to escape the deluge—handily defeated Democrat challenger William Suarez to win a fifth term, with 39,607 votes or 57.30 percent to Suarez’s 29,513 votes or 42.70 percent.

In Duneland Bradford took 24 of 28 precincts. Suarez prevailed in Westchester 1, which votes at the First United Methodist Church; Westchester 13, which votes at the Porter County Visitors Center; Westchester 17, which votes at the Oak Tree Park Community Building; and Pine 2, which votes at the Beverly Shores Administration Building.

Bradford presides over Superior Court District 1, which handles criminal, including capital murder, cases.

Meanwhile, Democrat David Chidester crushed Republican challenger Tim Vojslavek to win a second term, with 42,707 votes or 61.58 percent to Vojslavek’s 26,645 votes or 38.42 percent.

Chidester presides over Superior Court District 4, which handles misdemeanors, Class D felonies like theft, traffic infractions, and small claims of $6,000 or lower.

In Duneland Chidester swept all 28 precincts.

Posted 11/5/2008