Do you agree/disagree with state judges and sheriffs should continue to be elected?

This came up at a dinner discussion tonight and I wanted to put this feeler out here and see what others thought. At the federal level prosecutors are appointed by political appointments, judges are appointed by an administration. However at the state level, judges and sherrifs are elected into their position. Does this create political bias in upholding the law and should it be eradicated that they should have to apply to their posts like any other appointment instead of being voted in?