Supreme Court justices launch campaigns

LANSING (AP) — Michigan Supreme Court Justices David Viviano and Joan Larsen have formally announced bids to retain their seats in the 2016 election.

The judges are part of the high court's 5-2 edge for conservatives.

Viviano last week said he is running for a full eight-year term on the court after being elected in 2014 to fill the remainder of a term. Republican Gov. Rick Snyder appointed him to the court in 2013.

Larsen is seeking retention to fill a two-year term ending in 2018. Snyder named her to the court in 2015.

Democrats will choose their candidates at a nominating convention in the summer.

Dearborn Heights judge Mark Plawecki is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge Larsen in the November election.