Judge Elizabeth A. Karkula removed from the ballot

In an order entered last Friday, January 18, the Cook County Electoral Board removed Judge Elizabeth A. Karkula from the March 20 primary ballot.

Unless a successful court challenged is filed against this decision, Judge Karkula will not appear on the ballot for the 8th Subcircuit Fabri vacancy.

In its January 18 action, the Board adopted Hearing Officer Christopher J. Argrella's recommended decision sustaining objections to 1,856 of the 2,687 total signatures filed with Karkula's nominating petitions, leaving her with 169 signatures less than the 1,000 required.

The Illinois Supreme Court appointed Karkula to the countywide Rooney vacancy in January 2016, but she was passed over by Democratic slatemakers last August, designated as the Democratic Party's fourth alternate selection. Only three additional vacancies opened up, however.

Five candidates remain in the race for the Fabri vacancy: Former Judge James "Jamie" Shapiro, Stephen J. Feldman, Judge Robin Denise Shofner (who holds the seat pursuant to appointment by the Illinois Supreme Court), John Christopher Benson, and Bonnie C. McGrath (who recently survived a challenge to her nominating petitions). This is the first mention of Benson's candidacy here and that is a link to Benson's campaign website in the preceding sentence. A link has been added to blog Sidebar as well.