Remember that Ray J. Johnson Jr. comedy routine from, oh, 25 years ago? It kind of fits what’s happening in the Position 2 race for Supreme Court justice in Washington state. You can call him Steve or you can call him Stephen, but just don’t call him Mr. Johnson. Because Michael Johnson might respond instead.

Just before the filing deadline last week, a Seattle lawyer named Michael Johnson entered the race for a state Supreme Court seat. Stephen Johnson, who is a Republican state senator and also a candidate, is crying foul – and he might have a point.

Michael Johnson has never run for office and says that he doesn’t intend to raise money or seek endorsements. He said he is running on the “name issue” and to highlight the campaign contributions received by Stephen Johnson.

Stephen Johnson suspects the extra Johnson is on the ballot to confuse voters and thus boost the hopes of incumbent Justice Susan Owens.

Adding to the confusion is the fact that two Johnsons are already on the court: James and Charles.

There is a state law against people filing for office against widely known candidates with similar names in an effort to mislead voters, but that would be difficult to prove.

If Michael Johnson can’t come forward now and demonstrate that he seriously wants the job of Supreme Court justice, he should give himself the hook.