Sequim Gazette staff

A poll conducted by the Clallam County Bar Association ranks Will Payne ahead of Mark Nichols, two candidates in this year’s race for Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney.

The poll, released earlier this month, scores Payne above a 3.00 (“Well-Qualified”) rating in three of four categories, and at 2.94 in the fourth, while association members score Nichols between 1.5 and 1.75 in the four categories.

A total of 76 surveys were provided to the dues paying members of the Clallam County Bar Association. A total of 48 completed surveys were returned. Responses were tabulated and an average rating for all respondents was calculated.

Here are the scores, with 1 = “Unqualified,” 2 = “Qualified,” 3 = “Well Qualified” and 4 = “Exceptionally Well Qualified.”

• Will Payne

Judgment and Objectivity — 3.04

Demeanor and temperament — 3.25

Competence, experience and legal ability — 2.94

Overall Performance — 3.13

• Mark Nichols

Judgment and Objectivity — 1.54

Demeanor and temperament — 1.71

Competence, experience and legal ability — 1.75

Overall Performance — 1.67