Republican ranks on the N.C. Supreme Court are shrinking.

GOP Justice Ed Brady, of Fayetteville, offered that warning to the party's state convention Saturday, Rob Christensen reports. The Republican majority on the court, once a lopsided 6 to 1, has fallen to 4 to 3.

"Elections have consequences," said Brady, who is up for reelection next year.

Judges struggle to gain familiarity among the public, particularly now that judicial races are nonpartisan. To emphasize that point, Justice Paul Newby was introduced to the convention, but Justice Bob Edmunds stepped to the podium instead. It was unclear how many convention delegates realized the switch until the two disclosed the ploy.