Cleveland Fire Fighters Union, Local 93, I.A.F.F. endorsed Judge Dick Ambrose for Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. This is the primary and largest Cleveland firefighters union, representing approximately 1,600 firefighters. Judge Ambrose is proud to have the support of the men and women who risk their lives daily for citizens of Cleveland. Cleveland Fire Fighters Union, Local 93, I.A.F.F. realizes the value of experienced judges, such as Judge Ambrose, that take seriously the role of our safety forces in the county.

Plain Dealer Endorses Judge Dick Ambrose
Published Sunday, September 3, 2006

Dick Ambrose was a very good linebacker during nine seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Based on his performance during more than two years on the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court bench, he has the potential to be an even better judge. Many attorneys give Ambrose high marks for his diligence and fairness during back-to-back appointments to the court. He's built a reputation as a good listener who moves cases along and treats everyone with respect. That's no surprise to those who knew his reputation as a civil attorney for 17 years after leaving football and earning a law degree from Cleveland State University. But when Ambrose came to the bench in 2004, he had little criminal experience. He has more than compensated for that hole thanks to the same work ethic he once showed on the field. Despite his obvious talents, Ambrose, 53, faces a tough fight this November to hold the seat to which he was appointed when Christopher Boyko joined the federal bench. That's because he's a Republican in a heavily Democratic county and is running against a challenger with a strong ballot name. Ambrose has been down this road before: In 2004, after being named to another unexpired term, he narrowly lost to Democrat John Russo. His potently named opponent this time, Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Laura Gallagher, knows first-hand how hard it is for Re publicans to win here: In 2002, she lost an appellate court race as the GOP nominee. Con fused? Gallagher, 45, says she's a lifelong Democrat, who joined the GOP out of loyalty to the Republican judge in Medina County who had hired her as a magistrate. In a refreshing burst of candor, she concedes that her party switching "may be a little opportunistic." By contrast, her critique of Ambrose rests on tired bromides. She hints that he ignores sentencing recommendations from prosecutors, and therefore is soft on criminals. Yet she cannot cite specifics, other than to note praise for the judge from some defense attorneys. The five defendants Ambrose has sentenced to life in prison or the one he gave the death penalty might object to Gallagher's analysis. For his part, Ambrose rightly says that a judge must not rubber-stamp the desires of either side in sentencing. That kind of independence belongs on the bench. Voters who agree should elect Ambrose on Nov. 7

Ex-Brown Turned Judge Warns Troubled Kids to Alter Life Path
Published Friday, September 1, 2006

by Joe Guillen

Former Browns linebacker Dick Ambrose on Thursday warned a gymnasium full of troubled children to change their life path. Otherwise, they could one day stand before him in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, where Ambrose, 53, is now a judge. He drove the point home by telling them about a 19-year-old who was recently sentenced in his court to life in prison for rape. "You have an opportunity to get off that path right now," he said at the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center. Ambrose played for the Browns from 1975 to 1983. He graduated from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University in 1987 and became a county judge in 2004. He is up for re-election this November. For the most part, he avoided rehashing his playing days in his speech. But he did share his experience as an undersized player who was knocked down a lot. "You've all been knocked on your butt right now, being here," he said. "How are you going to get back up?" To help the kids realize their potential, he told the story of an eaglet that fell out of its nest and was raised by chickens. One day, the sight of a grown eagle amazed the eaglet, which hadn't realized that it, too, could fly. "Some of you won't become an eagle because of the way you think," he said. About 150 kids dressed in navy jumpsuits sat in metal folding chairs while Ambrose spoke. Antonio, 17, said that what stood out from the speech was the 19-year-old given a life sentence. "I feel like everybody can be rehabilitated," Antonio said. After his speech, Ambrose said he was "shocked" at how young the kids looked.

UFCW Local 880 Endorses Judge Ambrose
Published Thursday, August 24, 2006

Judge Dick Ambrose was endorsed by the United Food & Commercial Workers Union Local 880. UFCW Local 880 is an organization of professionals in industries ranging from retail to manufacturing to health care. UFCW Local 880 currently represents more then 27,500 workers in Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. The UFCW is the largest organization of retail workers in North America, with 1.4 million members. Given his background as Player Representative for the Cleveland Browns in 1983-84, Judge Ambrose is honored to have earned the endorsement of the UFCW Local 880.

"Remember the Titans” Coach Herman Boone celebrates WSEM & 40 years of giving
Published Monday, August 21, 2006

The West Side Ecumenical Ministry (WSEM) celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a special luncheon at the Renaissance Grand Ballroom in downtown Cleveland on Monday, August 21, 2006. The keynote speaker was legendary Coach Herman Boone, whose 1971 T.C. Williams High School "Titans" team set an example of how teamwork overcame prejudice and discrimination during a very turbulent time in American history. Coach Boone's message was an inspiration to all those in attendance, including Judge Dick Ambrose, who was on the Host Committee for the event. WSEM's mission is to empower the residents of Cleveland to develop individual and communal wholeness in collaboration with the churches of Greater Cleveland. Its programs work together to provide a network of services that free people from addiction, promote economic independence, and foster spiritual wholeness." Judge Ambrose applauds WSEM for its work over the last 40 years as a positive response to the problems feeding the cycle of crime in our community.

Fraternal Order of Police Endorses Judge Ambrose
Published Monday, August 14, 2006

The Fraternal Order of Police Eighth District recently announced its endorsement of Judge Dick Ambrose to retain his seat as Judge of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas this November. The FOP Eighth District represents over 2500 local, county, regional, state and federal law enforcement officers throughout all of Cuyahoga County (not including the Cleveland Police Department or FOP Cleveland Lodge 8). The FOP Eighth District endorsement comes after reviewing qualifications and conducting judicial candidate interviews. Judge Ambrose was proud to receive the FOP Eighth District's endorsement because of the respect he has for the men and women of law enforcement who put their lives on the line each day to protect society. FOP members also have first hand knowledge of how judges conduct themselves on the bench, giving their endorsement a great deal of weight.

Judge Ambrose Addresses Sell-Out Crowd at St. Charles, Parma.
Published Wednesday, August 9, 2006

Judge Dick Ambrose was the featured speaker at the St. Charles Borromeo Ladies Guild, 7th Annual Salad Luncheon in Parma, Ohio. Members of the Ladies Guild contributed salad dishes of all varieties to create a unique (and delicious) fundraising event. In discussing the importance of teamwork both in sports and in life, Judge Ambrose commented on how each person's sharing of their special recipe contributed to a feast enjoyed by all. The Pastor of St. Charles, Father John Carlin, served as the Master of Ceremonies. Pamela Nolan is the President of the Ladies Guild for 2006-2007.

Cleveland Browns Alumni Turn Out in Support of Judge Dick Ambrose
Published Tuesday, August 1, 2006

Former teammates and Cleveland Browns alumni joined Judge Dick Ambrose at a reception held at the Harry Buffalo restaurant in downtown Cleveland Tuesday evening. Joining in support of Judge Ambrose's campaign to retain his seat on the bench of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas were Kardiac Kids Head Coach Sam Rutigliano, wide receivers Reggie Langhorne and Ricky Feacher, running back Herman Fontenot, offensive tackle Herman Arvie, defensive lineman Dave Puzzouli and cornerbacks Hanford Dixon and Ben Davis. Local attorneys, labor leaders, friends and family members also attended the event which was hosted by Tony George.

North Shore Federation of Labor (AFL-CIO) Endorses Judge Ambrose
Published Friday, July 14, 2006

The North Shore Federation of Labor (formerly the Cleveland AFL-CIO) Endorsed Judge Dick Ambrose for Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. The North Shore Federation of Labor is the voice for working people in Cuyahoga County . Over 146 Local unions are affiliated with our labor federation. They represent workers from bus drivers (and mechanics) to steelworkers, from public sector workers to grocery workers, from rocket scientists at NASA to newspaper reporters at the Plain Dealer to the world-renowned orchestra. Given his background as Player Representative for the Cleveland Browns in 1983-84, Judge Ambrose is honored to have earned the endorsement of the North Shore Federation of Labor.

Major Endorsements for Judge Dick Ambrose
Published Monday, June 12, 2006

Judge Dick Ambrose of Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court earns major endorsements from diverse community groups. It is quite unusual for major early endorsements for Cuyahoga County Common Pleas judge, but Judge Ambrose is a genuine leader among judicial candidates. Endorsements include the following: Cleveland AFL-CIO Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Northern Ohio Administrative District Council of Bricklayers & Allied Craft Workers Bricklayers & Allied Craft Workers #5 Iron Workers Local No. 17 Asbestos Workers Local #3 Laborers International Union of North America, Local #310 Moms for Ohio International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18 Painters & Allied Trades District Council No. 6 Pipe fitters Local Union 120 It is apparent the Judge Ambrose enjoys unique, widespread community support. This November 7th vote for Judge Dick Ambrose!

Judge Ambrose Swearing In Around Town
Published Friday, June 9, 2006

On June 2nd, Judge Dick Ambrose swore in Donna Taylor-Kolis as President of the Cleveland Academy of Trial Attorneys at the Academy's annual meeting at the Club at the Marriott Key Tower. Judge Ambrose was also busy on June 8, 2006, swearing in the new officers and President Wendy Weiss Asher of the Cleveland Marshall Law Alumni Association.

Judge Ambrose Awarded Cleveland Marshall Alumni of the Year
Published Friday, May 26, 2006

Judge Dick Ambrose was honored, along with fellow jurist the Honorable Nancy Fuerst, as the Cleveland Marshall Law Alumni Association's Alumni of the Year. Over 1100 lawyers, judges, family and friends attended a luncheon honoring Judge Ambrose and Judge Fuerst at the Renaissance Cleveland Grand Ballroom. Judge Ambrose fondly recalled his days at the Cleveland Marshall College of Law and praised the school for truly being a "School of Opportunity" for women, minorities and non-traditional students.

Judge Ambrose Speaks in Collinwood
Published Thursday, May 25, 2006

Common Pleas Court Judge Dick Ambrose got more than he bargained for last week at a public appearance. Ambrose, the former Browns linebacker, came to the Collinwood Community Services Center on East 152nd Street to explain how to get criminal records expunged. While there, he spotted a man wearing a black shirt and an orange tie. "I could use that tie when I'm campaigning," Ambrose observed. As the man was leaving, he took off his tie, folded it and placed it in front of Ambrose.

Judge Ambrose Honored
Published Tuesday, May 2, 2006

On May 1, 2006 at a dinner at LeCenter in Westlake, Judge Dick Ambrose was honored by the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the National Football Foundation. Judge Ambrose was given the Distinguished American award by the NE Ohio Chapter, which emphasizes academic excellence as well as athletic achievement and awards college and post graduate scholarships to area athletes. Ohio State University head coach Jim Tressel was on hand to pass out awards and the featured speaker was former quarterback of the Kardiac Kids - Brian Sipe. Past recipients of the Distinguished American Award include John Glenn and former Minnesota Viking and now Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court - Alan Page.

Judge Ambrose Keynote Speaker at Central Catholic High School Banquet
Published Thursday, November 10, 2005

Judge Dick Ambrose was the keynote speaker at Cleveland Central Catholic High School's Fall Sports Banquet. Addressing the assembled parents, coaches, athletes and boosters, Judge Ambrose recalled a similar time in his youth when he had dreams of playing in the NFL. Judge Ambrose gave credit to his parents and his coaches who taught him the importance of hard work and focusing on his goals - all of which helped him turn his dreams into reality. Judge Ambrose encouraged students to dream great dreams, develop goals from those dreams and then work hard at achieving those goals. In closing, Judge Ambrose emphasized that "what we believe about ourselves is what we become."