Organizing the Data: Supreme Court - Freeman vacancy

Updated March 16, 2020
Updated March 14, 2020
Updated March 12, 2020
Updated March 11, 2020

Candidates are listed in the order they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary. No Republican filed for this vacancy.

Jesse G. Reyes - #161

Campaign Website

Chicago Sun-Times Questionnaire

Daily Herald profile

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Justice Jesse G. Reyes is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. Justice Reyes was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1984 and served as a Cook County Associate Judge from 1997-2008; Circuit Court of Cook County Judge from 2008-2012; and as a Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court from 2012-present. Justice Reyes is well regarded for his diligence, judicial experience, and passionate commitment to the law and our justice system.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Hon. Jesse G. Reyes was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1984. Since 2012, he has served as a Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, Fourth Division. Previously he was a Cook County Circuit Judge, where his assignments included the Chancery Division’s Mortgage Foreclosure/Mechanics Lien Section (2005-2012); the Chancery Division, County Department and the First Municipal District, Municipal Department (2002-2005); the First Municipal District, First District (2001-2005, 1997-1999); and the Sixth Municipal District (Markham; 1999-2001).

Judge Reyes has good legal ability and has had substantial experience both as a trial judge and as an Appellate Court Justice. He is reported to be well prepared at oral argument and his opinions are reported to be well written and well-reasoned. The Council finds him Qualified for the Illinois Supreme Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Jesse G. Reyes has been licensed since 1984. He currently sits on the Appellate Court – First District. He was selected as an associate judge in 1997, elected to the circuit court in 2008 and, subsequently, elected to the Appellate Court – First District in 2012. While a circuit court judge, he sat in Mortgage Foreclosure, Traffic, Domestic Violence, and the Sixth Municipal District (Markham). Before taking the bench, he was an assistant corporation counsel and an attorney for the Chicago Board of Education. He is a former president of the Illinois Judges Association and the Latin American Bar Association; former secretary of the Chicago Bar Association; and a former assembly member with the Illinois State Bar Association in addition to other committee work. He has lectured on legal topics and has been the recipient of several awards.

Attorneys described him as a hard worker who is prepared, strict and fair. He writes well-reasoned opinions and issues them in a timely fashion. ISBA finds Justice Jess G. Reyes highly qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Supreme Court – First District.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Recommended

Asian American Bar Association: Recommended

Black Women Lawyers' Association: Recommended

Cook County Bar Association: Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Highly Recommended

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Highly Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Endorsements

Personal PAC
Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7
Italian American Police Association
AMVOTE PAC
38th Ward Ald. Nicholas Sposato
30th Ward Regular Democratic Organization
26th Ward Democratic Organization
12th Ward Ald. George Cardenas
Democratic Citizens of Berwyn
United Hellenic Voters of America
Indo-American Democratic Organization
Advocates Society (Recommended)

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P. Scott Neville, Jr. - #162

Campaign Website

Daily Herald profile

Chicago Sun-Times Questionnaire

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Justice P. Scott Neville is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. Justice Neville was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1974 and was engaged in private practice for 25 years before his appointment to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 1999. In 2004, Judge Neville was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court where he served until his appointment to the Illinois Supreme Court in 2018. Justice Neville has extensive appellate experience and is well regarded for his deep understanding and knowledge of the law. Justice Neville is committed to improving the Illinois Courts and possesses all the requisite qualifications for service on the Illinois Supreme Court.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Hon. P. Scott Neville, Jr. was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1974. In 2018, he was appointed to serve as a Justice on the Illinois Supreme Court. He has also acted as a liaison to the IPI Civil Instructions Committee, the Illinois Rules of Evidence Committee, and the Pretrial Practices Committee. Previously, he served as Judge of the Appellate Court of Illinois (2004-2018) and as a Judge on the Cook County Circuit Court (1999-2004).

Justice Neville has been praised for his legal ability and for his diligence throughout his judicial career. His questioning during oral argument reflect his thorough preparation and understanding of the issues. He is generally praised for his integrity. Justice Neville has been involved in community activities and reform-minded efforts throughout his career. He is considered to be an excellent jurist with an understanding that judges can be active supporters of reforms aimed at improving the effectiveness and fairness of our courts. He actively works for improving the fairness and effectiveness of Illinois courts, and he is praised by social justice advocates for positions he has taken as a Supreme Court Justice. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Illinois Supreme Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

P. Scott Neville, Jr. was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1974. He was appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court – First District in 2018. He was appointed to the circuit court in 1999, elected in 2000, then retained in 2006. After being assigned to the Appellate Court in 2004, he was elected in 2012. Prior to his appointment to the bench, he had been in private practice as a sole practitioner and with several firms focusing on appellate civil litigation. He is a past president of the Cook County Bar Association, a co-founder of the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening, and a committee member of several other bar associations. He has lectured on legal topics, been the recipient of several awards and has served on various Supreme Court committees.

Attorneys reported that he has excellent legal knowledge and ability and that his questions reflect a thorough review of the briefs. He is considered to be honest and a straight shooter. ISBA finds Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr. highly qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Supreme Court – First District.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Recommended

Asian American Bar Association: Recommended

Black Women Lawyers' Association: Recommended

Cook County Bar Association: Highly Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Recommended

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Highly Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Endorsements

Cook County Democratic Party
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Federation of Labor
IVI-IPO
Cong. Danny Davis
The Soul Slate

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Shelly A. Harris - #163

Campaign Website

Chicago Sun-Times Questionnaire

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Justice Sheldon A. Harris is “Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. Justice Harris was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1966 and served as a Cook County Circuit Court Judge from 2000-2010. Justice Harris was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2010 and elected to the Appellate Court in 2014. Justice Harris has extensive appellate court experience and is well regarded for his legal knowledge, legal ability, diligence in preparing for oral arguments and issuing timely opinions, and good judicial demeanor.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Hon. Sheldon A. Harris was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1966. Since 2010, he has served as a Justice of the Appellate Court of Illinois, First District. Prior to that, he served as a Cook County Circuit Court Judge, where he was assigned to the Law Division, Trial Section (2008-2010), the First Municipal District (2005-2008), Mediation and Arbitration (2002-2005), the Chancery Division, as the designated pro bono mentor to attorneys representing litigants in the Circuit Court of Cook County under the CSA Access to Justice Pro Bono Project (2001-2002), and the Municipal and Divorce Division Supplemental and Miscellaneous Remedies (2000-2001), Prior to becoming a judge, he worked at his own law firm, Sheldon A. Harris and Associates (1974-2000), where he specialized in tort jury and non-jury litigation, and as Staff Attorney at the Legal Aid Bureau of Chicago (1966-1970).

Judge Harris is considered to be knowledgeable and hard-working. Those with experience in the Appellate Court say that he is attentive during oral arguments and that is opinions are well-reasoned and well-written. The Council finds him Qualified for the Supreme Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Sheldon A. Harris was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1966. He is currently a justice on the Appellate Court – First District; he has sat on the Appellate Court since 2010, first by appointment and then by election in 2014. He was first appointed to the circuit court in 2000 and until 2014 had been recalled and reappointed several times. Before joining the circuit court, he spent the majority of his career in private practice focusing on tort litigation. He is a member of various bar associations, on the board of the Decalogue Society of Lawyers and the recipient of the Seymour Simon Award from the Jewish Judges Association.

Attorneys consider him to be diligent and knowledgeable with well-written opinions. Concerns were raised, however, about his demeanor. ISBA finds Justice Sheldon A. Harris not qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Supreme Court – First District.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Recommended

Asian American Bar Association: Recommended

Black Women Lawyers' Association: Not Recommended

Cook County Bar Association: Not Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Not Recommended

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Not Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Endorsement

Personal PAC

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Cynthia Y. Cobbs - #164

Campaign Website

Chicago Sun-Times Questionnaire

Daily Herald profile

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Justice Cynthia Cobbs is “Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. Justice Cobbs was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1988 and has served as a judicial law clerk to an Illinois Appellate Court Illinois and Illinois Supreme Court Justice from 1989-1997. Justice Cobbs served as counsel in the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) from 1997-1999 and as Chief AOIC Legal Counsel from 1999-2002. Justice Cobbs served as Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts from 2002-2011. Justice Cobbs was appointed to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 2011 and elected to the Circuit Court in 2014. As a Circuit Court Judge, Justice Cobbs presided over civil jury trials, small claims, forcible entry, and traffic court cases in the First Municipal District. Justice Cobbs was assigned to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2015. Justice Cobbs has extensive knowledge about the administration and operation of the court system and possesses the legal knowledge, legal ability, demeanor, and experience to serve as a Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Hon. Cynthia Y. Cobbs was admitted to practice in 1988. In 2014, she was appointed to the First District Appellate Court, and she remains in that position. Originally, appointed as a Circuit Court Judge in 2011 and then elected in 2014, , her previous judicial duties included Forcible Entry and Detainer (2012-2015), Civil Jury Trials (2014), Pro Se Court (2012-2013), Small Claims/Debt Collector/Breach of Contract (2012), and Traffic Court (2011). Prior to becoming a judge, she served in a variety of positions at the Supreme Court of Illinois’s Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, including Director of (2002-2011), Chief Legal Counsel (1999-2002), and Secretary to the Supreme Court Rules Committee (1997-1999). She is a member of a number of bar associations, including the Illinois State Bar Association, the Black Women Lawyer Association, and the Illinois Judicial Council, where she has served as Chair (2018-2019).

Judge Cobbs lacked litigation experience when she took the trial court bench, but has since established herself as both a solid trial court jurist and as an appellate court judge. She is praised for her legal ability and for always being prepared. She is reported to have good temperament. She is also praised for the quality of her written decisions. The Council finds her Qualified for the Illinois Supreme Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Cynthia Y. Cobbs was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1988. She was appointed to the circuit court in 2011, was elected in 2014 and is an appellate justice in the Appellate Court – First District; a position she has held since being appointed in 2015. Prior to her judicial service she served several years with the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts. There she served first as an attorney, chief legal counsel and from 2002 to 2011 as director.

She is considered to be fair-minded, patient and intelligent. ISBA finds Judge Cynthia Y. Cobbs qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Supreme Court – First District.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Recommended

Asian American Bar Association: Recommended

Black Women Lawyers' Association: Recommended

Cook County Bar Association: Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Highly Recommended

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Endorsements

15th Ward Democratic Party
Advocates Society (Recommended)

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Margaret Stanton McBride - #165

Campaign Website

Law Bulletin Questionnaire

Chicago Sun-Times Questionnaire

Daily Herald profile

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Justice Margaret Stanton McBride is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. Justice McBride was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1976 and served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for 10 years. Justice McBride was appointed an Associate Cook County Judge in 1987 and was elected to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 1990. Justice McBride was elected to the Illinois Appellate Court in 1998. Justice McBride has a distinguished track record as an appellate court justice and is highly regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal ability, integrity, excellent demeanor, and work ethic.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Hon. Margaret Stanton McBride was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1976. Since 1998, she has served as a Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, where since 2018 she has been Presiding Judge of the Fourth Division. Prior to that, she served as a Cook County Circuit Court Judge, where her assignments included Presiding Judge, Third Municipal District (1997-1998); Chancery Division, Calendar 2 (1994-1997); Law Division, Jury Call (1992-1994); Criminal Division (1990-1992); and Traffic Court, Misdemeanor Branch Courts, and Felony Preliminary Hearing Courts, First Municipal District (1987-1990). Before becoming a judge, she served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office (for 10 years) and as an Associate at Egan & Keane, a general practice civil firm (for 9 months). Currently she serves as Elected Appellate Court Member of the Illinois Courts Commission (2007-present); a Member of the Illinois Supreme Court Judicial Performance Evaluation Committee (2011-present); Appointed Member of the Illinois Supreme Court Rules Committee (2012-present); and a Member of the Appellate Committee of the Illinois Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission (2015-present).

Justice McBride is considered to have excellent legal ability She is reported to be well prepared for each case and to have an outstanding grasp of the law and facts. She is praised for the quality of her written opinions. She is reported to be exceptionally hard-working. Respondents say she has very good temperament – polite but firm, She is highly respected for her work with Supreme Court reform-minded committees. She has an excellent reputation for leading initiatives that lead to meaningful reforms and she is highly praised for her integrity. The Council finds her Well Qualified for the Illinois Supreme Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Margaret Stanton McBride has been licensed since 1977. She currently sits on the Appellate Court – First District. She was selected as an associate judge in 1987, elected to the circuit court in 1990, retained in 1996; elected to the Appellate Court in 1998 and retained in 2008 and 2018. Before joining the bench, she was a career assistant state’s attorney. As a circuit judge she served in Traffic, Criminal, Law, and Chancery before becoming presiding judge of the Third Municipal District (Rolling Meadows). She has served on several committees, including the Illinois Courts Commission, teaches appellate advocacy and speaks at seminars.

Attorneys have praised her for having an excellent grasp of the law and the facts, being very principled and committed to justice. She is prepared, efficient and polite but direct. ISBA finds Justice Margaret Stanton McBride highly qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Supreme Court – First District

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Recommended

Asian American Bar Association: Recommended

Black Women Lawyers' Association: Recommended

Cook County Bar Association: Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Recommended

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Highly Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Endorsements

Italian American Police Association
Personal PAC
Chicago NOW PAC

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Daniel Epstein - #167

Campaign Website

Law Bulletin Questionnaire

Chicago Sun-Times Questionnaire

Daily Herald Profile

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Daniel Epstein is “Not Recommended” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. Mr. Epstein was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2015 and worked for a prominent Chicago law firm for approximately four years. Prior to his admission to the Illinois Bar, Mr. Epstein served as a research assistant for one year at the University of Chicago Law School and as a Judicial Extern for one year in the U.S. District Court. At the present time, Mr. Epstein is actively campaigning for the Illinois Supreme Court. Mr. Epstein has had limited practice experience and, at this stage in his legal career, he does not possess the depth and breadth of experience to serve as a Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Daniel A. Epstein was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2015. Since April 2019, he has been running full-time as a candidate for the Illinois Supreme Court. Prior to that, he served as an Associate at Jenner & Block, where he worked as a litigator on appellate and post-conviction, criminal, insurance, government contracts, and commercial and business torts matters.

Alliance for Judicial Screening rules say that all candidates with fewer than 5 years of experience must be found Not Recommended. However, in light of the importance of Supreme Court Justice position, the Council also says the following:

Daniel Epstein is a respected lawyer dedicated to advancing the rule of law, but who has very little litigation experience. Law is a second career for him.
Mr. Epstein demonstrates maturity and the ability to formulate and advocate for ideas for reform of the justice system. He has published, law-related works. More than one respondent said that they would consider him Qualified for a trial judge seat, despite his lack of litigation experience because of his dedication to use the position of Illinois Supreme Court Justice to move forward an agenda of reforms seeking to make the lower courts more fair, effective, and efficient.

The Council recognizes that only part of the Illinois Supreme Court’s role is to improve access to and quality of the court system. Its role in deciding cases that include complex legal issues that affect state-wide policy as well as individual rights requires its Justices to have litigation experience in a variety of areas. While Mr. Epstein is to be admired for running a reform-minded campaign, he does not have that litigation experience. The Council finds him Not Qualified for the Illinois Supreme Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, any candidate who has less than the minimum ten years of experience required for a judicial candidate shall be given a rating of not recommended. Due to the importance of the Illinois Supreme Court position, and to fulfill the goal of fully informing the public, an investigation and interview did take place.

Daniel Epstein has been licensed since 2015. From 2015 to 2019 he was an associate at Jenner & Block handling litigation matters. He left that position to focus on his campaign. He is active on committees with the Chicago Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association and the Lawndale Christian Legal Center. He has spoken and written on legal topics and is a founder and president of Perspective to the People.

Attorneys reported that he is an intelligent attorney clearly passionate about improving the judicial system. At this time in his career, however, Mr. Daniel Epstein does not have the requisite experience, as an attorney, litigator or in other judicial office to serve as a justice to the Illinois Supreme Court – First District.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Not Recommended

Asian American Bar Association: Not Recommended

Black Women Lawyers' Association: Not Recommended

Cook County Bar Association: Not Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Not Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Not Recommended

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Not Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended

Endorsements

Personal PAC
Chicago NOW PAC

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Nathaniel Roosevelt Howse - #168

Campaign Website

Chicago Sun-Times Questionnaire

Daily Herald profile

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Judge Nathaniel Howse is “Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. Justice Howse was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1976 and was elected to serve as a Circuit Court Judge in 1998. Judge Howse served as a Cook County Circuit Court Judge until his appointment to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2009. In 2012, Justice Howse was elected to the Illinois Appellate Court. Justice Howse has extensive appellate court experience and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law and diligence in issuing opinions in a timely manner.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Hon. Nathaniel R. Howse, Jr. was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1976. Since 2009, he has served as a Justice of the Appellate Court of Illinois, First District. Prior to that, he served as a Cook County Circuit Court Judge, where he was assigned to the County Division (2001-2009), where he presided over Tax Deed, Real Estate Tax, Civil Forfeiture, and Adoption cases; and the First Municipal District, where he heard supplemental proceedings to enforce judgments as well as extraordinary remedies (2000-2001); served as floater judge on general assignment (1999-2000); and presided over traffic cases (1998-1999).

Judge Howse is considered to have excellent legal ability and is reported to demonstrate a good grasp of complex issues. His written opinions are praised as being well-written, well-reasoned, and thorough. Respondents say he is always well prepared for oral argument. His integrity is highly respected and his temperament is reported to be even-tempered. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Illinois Supreme Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Nathaniel Roosevelt Howse was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1976. In 1998 he was elected to the circuit court and retained in 2004. He was elected to the Appellate Court in 2012 after being assigned there in 2009 while a circuit court judge. His other assignments in the circuit court included the County Division, First Municipal, Adoption, and Traffic. Before joining the bench, he was a solo practitioner with a general civil practice. He is a member of several bar
associations, speaks at seminars, mentored new judges, and is the recipient of many awards.

He is highly respected for his clear reasoning, his good solid writing and hard work. He is polite to all, diligent and punctual. ISBA finds Justice Nathaniel Howse highly qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Supreme Court – First District.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Recommended

Asian American Bar Association: Recommended

Black Women Lawyers' Association: Recommended

Cook County Bar Association: Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Recommended

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Highly Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Endorsements

Secretary of State Jesse White
Cong. Jan Schakowsky
Dorothy Brown
Democratic Party of the 49th Ward
43rd Ward Ald. Michele Smith
41st Ward Regular Democratic Organization
40th Ward Ald. Andre Vasquez
29th Ward Democratic Organization
18th Ward Democratic Organization
2nd Ward Democrats
Personal PAC
LGBTQ Impact

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