Ratings for Somers, Wygonik Draw Criticism

The of Wayne County judicial candidates in the August primary has generated much debate on Dearborn Patch and other media outlets.

In particular, the grades given to many incumbents—including Dearborn’s and Mark Somers—seemed to be more harsh than in years past, legal observers told the Detroit Free Press.

Wygonik, who is in the race, received a rating of “Qualified.” Somers, who is running in the Third Circuit Court, received a grade of “Not Qualified.”

Somers and Wygonik told the Free Press they were surprised by the DMBA’s ratings.

Many readers on Dearborn Patch commented on the ratings, with opinion often split.

“These ratings are political as all get out,” said in the comments. “Everyone in the room has some sort of ax to grind. Martindale-Hubble was a much more independent rating system, and under that Wygonik received an "AV" rating for having the highest level of skill and integrity.”

The DMBA is a network of Detroit-area attorneys interested in promoting the improvement of the area's justice system and practice of law through community discussion and events.