_ Democrat Deborah Bell Paseur has taken an early lead over Republican Greg Shaw for a state Supreme Court seat.

Paseur leads 56 percent to 44 percent with about one-eighth of the precincts reporting.

The other races for the state appeals courts are even closer.

Democrat Clyde Jones has 52 percent of the vote against Republican Beth Kellum in their race for an open seat on the Court of Criminal Appeals.

Democrat Aimee Cobb Smith has 53 percent against Republican Mary Windom for an open seat on the Court of Criminal Appeals.

And Democrat Kimberly Drake is polling 53 percent against Republican incumbent Bill Thompson for a seat on the Court of Civil Appeals.