A major state business lobbying group has endorsed Chief Justice Gerry Alexander for re-election, passing over property rights attorney John Groen. And it's not just that the Association of Washington Business backs incumbent judges. The group endorsed Republican Sen. Steven Johnson in his challenge to Justice Susan Owens.

The AWB said that while it disagreed at times with Alexander, the chief's record shows "we can get a fair shake in front of him and that is the hallmark of a good judge." Groen, who has the backing of other business groups, has accused Alexander of being an activist judge who does not support private property rights.

In backing Johnson, the group was restrained in anything that could be perceived as criticism of Owens, saying "AWB believes the court would benefit greatly from Senator Johnson's legislative experience tempered by his philosophy of judicial restraint."