Now many, even in our own party, let their political jobs conflict with the party and supported an extremely left wing democrat. Some liked Brennan since she was rather anti-defendant and pro-developer. Others didn't want to make her mad because their township had dealings with her - so they make the job 100 times tougher. Some just didn't care for the other candidate. I can at least respect the last point by some, as that is a valid reason for opposition. I was told time and time again by some that this was a "DISTRICT Judge" race. Yes, I know. District judges have very limited activist control because they are bound by circuit and appeals precidents, as well as the State Supreme Court and SCOTUS precident. But the ranks of Appeals and Supreme Court justices come from the district ranks. Combine that with former Supreme Court justices with the last name of Brennan. People vote for Brennans. Tom Brennan was one of the most well known justices, and a conservative. I'd vote for Tom Brennan in a minute if he came out of retirement.

Justice Cavanaugh was once a district court judge. That's another well known name.
Justice Weaver was once a probate judge.

A judge can not say how they would rule on a issue, but a judge can make known his/her philosophy. A judge also has prior actions that he/she can be judged on as a window to see what the stance is.