Smith qualifies for re-election to state appeals court

ATLANTA - J.D. Smith of Gainesville has ended any lingering speculation over whether he would run for state Supreme Court this year.

Judge Smith, a Presiding Judge on the state Court of Appeals, has qualified to seek re-election that that post.

Rumors surfaced earlier this year that he would opt for a try at a seat on the state's highest court.

Smith is a former Hall County Superior Court judge who was named to the court of appeals by then-Governor Zell Miller in 1993.

Qualifying for judicial elections in Georgia, which will be held in November, opened on Monday.