Victories By Orr, Brady Strengthen GOP's Hold On Supreme Court

Republican incumbent Robert Orr beat Democrat Bob Hunter, and GOP challenger Edward Brady defeated incumbent G.K. Butterfield.

The wins gave Republicans a 6-1 majority on thestate Supreme Court.

With 89 percent of precincts reporting, unofficial resultsshowed Orr with 55 percent of the vote to 45 percent for Hunter.

Brady had 54 percent of the vote, compared to Butterfield's 46percent, with 89 percent of precincts reporting.

Going into the election, Republicans had a 5-2 majorityon the Supreme Court and Democrats a 12-3 majority on theCourt of Appeals.

A law approved by the General Assembly this year will makefuture elections nonpartisan, meaning the candidates' partyaffiliation won't show up on the ballot.