By Brian Eckhouse

Published Tue, Nov 4, 2008 (7:55 p.m.)

Updated Tue, Nov 4, 2008 (10:23 p.m.)

With 40 percent of precincts reporting, including some in Clark County, Kris Pickering has a slight lead over Deborah Schumacher in the race for the state Supreme Court seat being vacated by outgoing Justice William Maupin. Pickering has 42 percent to Schumacher’s 39.2 percent, with the rest not voting for either candidate.

A few elements separated the contestants. Pickering isn’t a judge, but an attorney who boasts that she’s appeared before the Supreme Court. Schumacher is a Family Court judge. The race also is one of geography. Pickering is based in the Las Vegas Valley, while Schumacher sits on the Washoe County District Court.

Incumbent Judge Mark Gibbons was not expected to face a stiff challenge from Thomas Frank Christensen. Gibbons leads 55.1 percent to 25.3 percent.