OC’s courthouse corridors are buzzing with news that Senior Deputy District Attorney Karen Schatzle will challenge Judge Scott Steiner for his seat. Steiner is vulnerable due to his recent and very public censure for courthouse sexcapades that included the sensational recovery of his DNA from courthouse carpet. That his chambers conquests included students he taught at law school don’t help the equation.
Local political lore – and actual experience – both show that it is nearly impossible for a challenger to bring down a sitting judge. In the last election cycle two incumbent judges – Derek Johnson and Joanne Motoike — easily beat back challenges to their re-election. The only judge to be unseated in the last quarter-century had child pornography on his work computer. Go figure.
And Judge Steiner has some powerful supporters. His father Bill Steiner, former OC Board of Supervisors Chairman, has been in political semi-retirement for years, but still wields tremendous influence throughout the Republican party. And at least three sources have confirmed Judge Steiner has already received the endorsement of District Attorney Tony Rakcauckas and Sheriff Sandra Hutchens. And as reported earlier, several high-dollar defense firms are banking on Judge Steiner to win.
But veteran prosecutor Karen Schatzle is a formidable opponent. She is a well respected OC prosecutor who sent lots of sex offenders to jail or prison. She has been a Deputy District Attorney for over twenty years, and was a Probation Officer before that for over eight years. She is a solid Christian Republican and single mom which will appeal directly to the Orange County conservative base.
She will nonetheless have to raise a lot of campaign cash, and personally campaign hard to be relevant and taken seriously. But if she does that… Judge Steiner may have to look for new digs sooner than he imagined.
But keep this on the QT!
Go get him! He is an embarrassment to the judiciary. The DA and the Sheriff are clearly playing politics.
She needs to button up her top if she’s going to get any credibility. Glamour shots are “no bueno” when running for judge. So far, I see no viable candidates. Can someone with a brain, who doesn’t either flaunt boobs – or try to touch boobs (Creeper Steiner) – please run for judge?
Oh I am sure she will come out with a more professional shot. But in the meantime I can imagine that Steiner will be pinning this one on his wall!
I’m pretty sure this was a personal photo and one not submitted for the blog. You can thank the editors for that one. And to think you judge on looks instead of talent. Tisk
And sadly that is the picture that will be used to oppose her. Who in their right mind has this picture out thereof i they are serious about running for any office let alone judge.
The image is of a very beautiful woman. To discover that the image is of a veteran prosecutor in OC blows me away. I’m beginning to really like this blog.
It would be great to replace a pervy Judge with a strong, intelligent woman!
You can’t even see any cleavage. Calm down. She looks great in her photo… are you really going to judge her education and experience over this photo though? That’s fine if you do but you’re making a huge mistake. She is the most intelligent and down to earth person I know. She deserves this title and would be an amaxing judge!
It is time for very unscrupulous behavior to be called out and a change in the judiciary. Look at the record of Ms. Schatzle and stop being so judgmental. She should be judged by what she has accomplished, not by what she is wearing.
Her record!! Have you even heard this woman talk?? She sounds like Minnie Mouse. I cannot fathom how anyone can take this woman seriously. She moved up because of her looks not because of her wit. She aligned herself with ex lovers who are well respected criminal defense attys. She’s just a wannabe oc housewife with the fake boobs to boot.. the bench needs a well respected professional who will lead by example and follow the law..