No one filed to run against Weaver Boyle in the Democratic Primary; no Republican filed for any countywide vacancy.
Weaver Boyle is the only countywide judicial candidate with an uncontested path to election next year. Pending ballot withdrawals or challenges, there are contests in every other countywide judicial race.
There are also three subcircuit judicial appointees who also have no opponent in March.
Judge Tyria B. Walton is unopposed in the 1st Subcircuit, for what is being called the Crawford vacancy. By way of contrast, three candidates filed against Judge Fredrick H. Bates for the Brooks vacancy in the 1st Subcircuit, including former Judge Litricia Payne.
In the 3rd Subcircuit, eight candidates filed for the Flynn vacancy and two for the Murphy vacancy. No one, however, filed for the Filan vacancy, where Judge Daniel Edward Maloney now sits pursuant to Supreme Court appointment.
Judge John G. Mulroe has an uncontested path to fill the 10th Subcircuit Allen vacancy that he now holds by appointment.
No Republican filed for any of these subcircuit vacancies.
Of the four Republicans who filed in Subcircuits 12, 13, and 15, Frank R. DiFranco has an uncontested path to the Republican nomination in the 12th Subcircuit -- but he will presumably face the winner of a three-way contest for the Democratic nomination. Judge Patricia M. Fallon currently fills this vacancy by appointment.
In the 15th Subcircuit, La Vetta D. Williams will be unopposed in the Republican primary for the 15th Subcircuit vacancy now filled by Judge Nichole C. Patton. Judge Patton drew one primary opponent, so Williams will have to face either Patton or Heather Mulligan Begley next November.
Jack, I promise that this is not a "rant" to be flushed. And while there might be references to "race" it is certainly not "racist." I respect your civility guidelines and don't want to go back to the bad days of "no comments." I would ask that anyone tempted to respond to this comment please do the same. That said . . .
ReplyDeleteWith the exception of Lynn Weaver-Boyle (who is an ASA with reputed heavy political connections) every other Irish woman running countywide caught an opponent. There used to be somebody who previously coordinated efforts to ensure that no Irish females ran against one another. Now that person is gone and those who are left can't be told anything and want what they are entitled to receive as their perceived birthright. Judges Derico, Smith and Brooks might have a fighting chance at survival. What's more, Kerry Maloney Laytin is facing the unthinkable: an Irish female opponent. The appellate court saw a similar phenomenon with Gallagher v. O'Leary. And to add some more fireworks, we also have Sandra Ramos. Good luck, Mike Hyman, you might actually make it.
A special shout out to Tiesha Smith. Yours was a bold play. A bold play that just might pay off. You have my vote based on your fearlessness alone.
Let this be a lesson to all others who were too scared to challenge myths and stereotypes: NOBODY, no group, no individual is entitled to win countywide or in a subcircuit. Not a slated Democrat. Not a woman. Not a black. Not a hispanic. Not an appointed judge. No, not even an Irish, male or female. As the late John Stroger once said, if entitled groups are forced to actually compete their victory is hardly a foregone conclusion. And yes, President Stroger used the phrase "entitled," not "white," not "black," not anything else.
We are in a brave new world. Go get yours if you have the spine to do it. But if the best you have to offer is snide comments flung at those with the gumption to throw their hat in the ring, then crawl back into your hole.
So, good luck to ALL of you. Male, female, black, Irish and Latinex. Because winter is here.
Rogue One