Phil Journey, 52, filed to exchange his Senate seat for a judge's bench. He'll face two other Republicans, Jeff Dewey and Michael Foster, in the Aug. 5 primary for the seat recently vacated by Karl Friedel.

"It wasn't a decision I took lightly," says Journey. "I put a lot of thought into it. There were lots of considerations."

Former legislators Eric Yost, Anthony Powell and Jeff Goering paved the way with judicial elections a few years ago after serving the statehouse.

Judge Dan Brooks, a 15-year veteran in juvenile court, faces Loren Houk. Houk is one of the few Democrats to file for judge.

Sedgwick County has created two new judgeship seats. At least one of the new seats is planned for juvenile court.

Journey will be running in Division I of the 18th Judicial District, where there are five open spots.

A number of Republicans have filed for the new seats:

Jeff Syrios

Jeff Syrios, 45, has practiced law for 20 years. Syrios is a long time columnist for The Chronicle. He says he will suspend his writing while he pursues the bench. He also serves as a municipal judge in Douglas and Clearwater. In addition, he's the city prosecutor of Rose Hill and works as a public defender in Wichita Municipal Court. In private practice, he specializes in workers' compensation defense and collections.

Syrios, a member of Evangelical Free Church on Woodlawn, says he sees himself as an advocate. “For me, it means to come alongside and befriend; to take a hand and guide; to comfort and encourage; to challenge and confront; to advise and counsel; to advance a cause; and when required, to step in front to shield and protect,” said Syrios.

In Brief:

• Bethel College, North Newton, Kansas

• Washburn University School of Law
• Christian Legal Society
• HopeNet, Inc. - Board of Directors
• Central Christian Academy – Board of Directors
• Wichita Bar Association  
• Kansas Bar Association
• Association of Credit & Collection Professionals

Harold Pickler

Harold Pickler, 58, an attorney since 1977 and former Sedgwick County Assistant District Attorney, is a life long resident of Wichita. He is with the law firma of Powell, Brewer and Reddeck, LLP.

Pickler has practiced law in Sedgwick County for over thirty years representing clients in insurance defense, business and contract issues, domestic relations and personal injury law. He also has substantial involvement in jury and non-jury cases.

In Brief:

• 31 years experience in business, contract and domestic conflict resolution and courtroom litigation

• Former Sedgwick County Assistant District Attorney, prosecutor for major felony trials.

• Citizens' rights advocate before the Social Security administration, Department of Labor, and     Civil Rights Commission

• Higher Ground board member

• Wichita Bar Association Family law committee member

• Presbyterian Manor advisory committee, past member

• U.S. Army, 1st lieutenant

J. Patrick Walters

J. Patrick Walters, 48, has specialized in family law cases, handling divorce, custody, child and spousal support. He has also worked in domestic violence, juvenile offenses, personal injury, traffic matters, including DUI's and simple wills.

Walters has experience practicing law before US Court of Appeals, 10^th Circuit District Court, the US District Court, and the US Tax Court. Walters says he strives to do what is in the best interest of children in all family law cases.

In Brief:

Washburn University School of Law

Wichita State University
Kansas Bar Association
Wichita Bar Association

Bruce Brown

Judge Bruce Brown was born in Wichita and grew up on a farm in central Kansas. He attended college at Oral Roberts University, in Tulsa Oklahoma.  He then graduated from the Pepperdine University School of Law in 1986.  He was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar Association in 1986 and the Kansas Bar Association in 1989.

Brown served on active duty with the U.S. Army as a JAG officer for 4 years and was deployed to Kuwait.  He has continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves and now holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Brown currently serves as Judge for Wichita Municipal court where he has served as a judicial officer for over 10 years.  In his tenure as Judge he has presided over the Traffic court, the DUI court, and is currently assigned to the Domestic Violence court.

In Brief:

Alumnus of the National Judicial College
Board of Youth Horizons
National Adjudicature Society
Kansas Bar Association
Wichita Bar Association
Wichita Christian Legal Society.

Sean  Corrigan  McEnulty
Sean Corrigan McEnulty is a life long resident of Wichita, 48, 1960, born to R.R. McEnulty, (Lt. Col., USAF Res. J.A.G.), attorney and judge, and to Mary Corrigan McEnulty, a substitute high school English teacher. His legal career started with McEnulty & McEnulty from ’86 to ’88; George Grist, P.A. ’89 to ’91; McEnulty Law firm ’92 to ’97; and from ’98 to ’03 as counsel to Mike Lynch’s and Mike Oatman’s, The Mikes’ Investment Company. Currently, he serves as general counsel for regional broadcasting companies while remaining in private practice.  

McEnulty’s background includes representation of clients in key cases before the Kansas Court of Appeals which helped shape decisions regarding Veterans’ disability rights.

In Brief:

Kapaun Mount Carmel High School

University of Kansas Law School
Kansas Bar Association

Wichita Bar Association

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