Scenes from last night's reception for the 2014 retention judges

Preston Bradley Hall was jammed for last night's reception honoring judges seeking retention in Cook County. Retired Appellate Court Justice Marvin H. Leavitt, the Co-Chair of the Lawyers Committee of the Committee for Retention of Judges in Cook County, the reception's sponsor, said he was pleased with the turnout, which he estimated to be similar to previous reception events.

Many of the retention judges were sporting flashing blue buttons. Shown here are two of the retention candidates, Judge Ann Collins Dole (center) and Judge Donna L. Cooper (right).

A good many other sitting judges came out to support their colleagues' retention bids. Associate Judges Franklin U. Valderrama and Alfredo Maldonado were among these.

Judge Alfred M. Swanson, Jr. was present to support his colleagues seeking retention.

Also supporting their colleagues were Judges Edward M. Maloney and Patrick T. Rogers.

Judge Kay M. Hanlon also turned out to support the cause; she is shown here with her husband, attorney James E. Hanlon, Jr.

The proceeds of this reception are used to support the retention bids of all the Cook County judges seeking retention this year.