Roger Bouchard for Judge -- 4/17/26

In this episode of the 55KRC Morning Show, host Brian Thomas interviews Roger Bouchard, a 23-year veteran criminal defense attorney running as a Republican candidate for Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge. Bouchard emphasizes his deep courtroom experience as a key qualification for judicial service, arguing that judges without trial experience lack the necessary grounding. He frames his campaign around a central concern: the rise in violent crime in Cincinnati, particularly juvenile crime, and the perceived leniency of the current justice system. He criticizes what he calls 'woke reality' in the judiciary, where repeat offenders receive minimal sentences and low or no bonds, creating a 'revolving door' effect. Bouchard insists he is not a judicial activist but an interpreter of the law, committed to fair but firm enforcement. He attributes much of the problem to systemic failures across law enforcement, prosecution, and parenting, and calls for accountability as a deterrent. The conversation also touches on the strategic placement of school levies on primary ballots, which Bouchard argues manipulates voter turnout. The episode concludes with a strong call to civic engagement, urging listeners to vote and support candidates who prioritize public safety and the rule of law.