Electoral Board overrules objections in several cases

Michael B. Barrett will apparently appear on the ballot in the race for the Scully, Jr. vacancy in the 15th Subcircuit. In action taken this morning, the Cook County Officers Electoral Board voted to accept a hearing officer's recommendations overruling the objections made to Barrett's petitions.

Barrett's opponent in the race for the Scully, Jr. vacancy is Ashonta Rice-Akiwowo. A third candidate, Rivanda Doss Beal, was recently removed from the ballot in that race.

The Electoral Board found that, despite various objections, Barrett retained enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot.

Also surviving challenges to the their petitions, per Electoral Board action today, were 2nd Subcircuit candidate Sheree D. Henry (Willis vacancy), 5th Subcircuit candidate Marian Emily Perkins (Jones vacancy), and 3rd Subcircuit candidate Michael Hayes. In each case, the number of valid signatures was an issue. In each case, the candidates were found to have sufficient valid signatures to remain on the ballot.

Henry's one opponent for the Willis vacancy is Judge Debra A. Seaton. Judge Perkins, who holds the Jones vacancy in the 5th Subcircuit pursuant to Supreme Court appointment, faces challenges from Jenetia Marshall and David L. Kelly. Hayes will face two opponents in his 3rd Subcircuit bid, Judge Patrick Thomas Stanton and Kevin Patrick Cunningham.

In other action this morning, the Electoral Board agreed to the withdrawal of challenges to the candidacies of two candidates for the Liu vacancy in the 8th subcircuit, Judge Michael A. Forti (who holds this seat pursuant to appointment by the Supreme Court) and Cyrus Hosseini. Also seeking the Liu vacancy are Lindsay Hugé and Athena A. Farmakis.

Challenges remain pending against several more judicial hopefuls. The Electoral Board's next meeting is set for Monday afternoon.