Judge Baker Drops Out of Race

Update: 1:44 p.m. Wednesday

This afternoon, Juvenile Court Judge M. Anthony “Tony” Baker elaborated on his decision to abandon his plans to run for Cherokee County Superior Court judge.

This is what he had to say:

"I was flattered. I really thought that that's what I wanted. Contemplating it, my heart is in juvenile court because I love working with teens and with young folks. That's been my passion since I've been practicing law and it's been my passion the last 5½ years. While the opportunity right now is great, if his heart isn't in that race. Does that make sense?

"No, no, no, no. I thought (my heart) was (in it), but I tried to sleep on it, but I just was restless about it. My calling, I feel like, is in juvenile court because I enjoy what I do. And that's the way it is. That's not to say that down the road, it may not happen. But right now, even though the opportunity is wonderful, my heart and desire is to be in juvenile court because I have unfinished business there as far as being a judge. I don't feel like I have utilized my talents there yet—all of it.

"My desire is to work with kids and teens. If I were to go to superior court, I would not have much of that and I don't think I'm ready for that. That's all. I just got to thinking. I don't think this is right and I don't think that it would be fair if I did it. That's why I'm withdrawing so that others who are have a legitimate interest in running should do it."

Original Report: 12:30 p.m. Wednesday

Less than 24 hours after he announced his campaign for  judge, Juvenile Court Judge M. Anthony “Tony” Baker of Canton dropped out of the race just before noon today.

"After much consideration and debate, Judge Baker has decided he can continue to best serve the citizens and juveniles of Cherokee County by remaining in his current position as juvenile court judge," Canton attorney Richard Jones wrote in an emailed statement to metro Atlanta media outlets.

Tuesday, and that he felt it was the right "opportunity to run for the open seat created by Judge (Frank) Mills’ retirement."

It's not clear why he had a sudden change of heart. A message left for Baker has not been returned.

With Baker's announcement, that leaves , who announced on May 7 that he wanted Mills' seat.

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