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By WILLIAM R. LEVESQUE
© St. Petersburg Times, published July 11, 2000
George H. Brown, who narrowly lost a race for a Pinellas County judgeship in 1998, on Monday filed papers challenging incumbent Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Brandt Downey III.
Brown, 42, who specializes in civil litigation and now works for the law firm of Blumenthal & Associates of Seminole, said he came so close to winning two years ago that he decided to make another run for office.
In 1998, Amy Williams defeated him by about 5,000 votes, receiving 51 percent of the vote.
"I have a love for the judiciary. I think I can do a good job and be a positive influence on the courts and the people who come into contact with the judiciary," Brown said.
Brown, a graduate of the Stetson University College of Law, received the controversial endorsement of the Republican Party in 1998. That drew criticism from some who said political parties should not get involved in non-partisan judicial campaigns.
The GOP hasn't yet announced endorsements. Brown declined to discuss it. Since candidates are ethically bound from discussing substantive issues in a campaign, Brown also declined to contrast himself with the judge he seeks to unseat. "I am running for the seat, not against the candidate," he said.
Brown has been an attorney for about 12 years. He formerly was an Ocala police officer, a department explosives expert and a SWAT team member. He was also a traffic homicide investigator.
Brown, who also touts his longstanding community involvement, is married to Mary Brown. The couple have three children and live in Seminole.
The salary for the six-year term will be $130,000 as of Oct. 1.