Of course I know that Federal judges are not elected. I meant on the state and local level because that is where it has to start. In WV judges are elected but they don't belong to a party, so I know I have voted for judges without having a clue what kind of judge they would be.
And I knew you knew about the Feds - please don't be offended. You can and I'm sure will be very informed on your state judges (BTW, I love WVA, the Harper's Ferry area is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen) - but a lot of very cool people turn into monsters once they put on that black robe, and the system of course encourages it. But the groovy thing about state is there's always another election and chance to throw them out, and it's also easier to get them removed (misconduct, special election.)