The Chicago Tribune has decided that early voting may be more than just a fad. Claiming to have "heard" that readers "want some advice on down-ballot races, especially for judges," Mother Tribune has decided to share its opinions on both the retentnion ballot and the two contested Cook County subcircuit races earlier than usual.
In the 12th Subcircuit race, the Tribune picks Park Ridge attorney Frank DiFranco over appointed Judge Patricia Fallon. While today's editorial notes that both candidates have good bar ratings, the paper gives DiFranco the edge on "courtroom experience."
For the 13th Subcircuit, the Tribune picks Susanne Michele Groebner over Gary William Seyring, stating that, while both candidates have "high ratings from bar groups," Groebner is the paper's choice "due to her experience litigating complex cases."
The Tribune also weighs in on the retention ballot, urging "no" votes against Mauricio Araujo (who is leaving the bench as of today), Patricia Manila Martin (who told bar groups she was retiring but did not withdraw from the retention ballot in a timely fashion), and Jackie Marie Portman-Brown (who remains assigned to administrative duties "after she was seen on video putting a small child, whom she later said was a relative, in a lockup behind the bench").
The Tribune makes it a point to urge a "yes" vote for Judge Michael P. Toomin, the target of a removal campaign by the Cook County Democratic Party and the Judicial Accountability PAC. "In seeking an independent review [in the Jussie Smollett case]," the Tribune says, "Toomin angered the machine and they're coming after him."
Define complex litigation. Most of these people have no clue what "complex" litigation means. Oh, you mean, where answering discovery means something more than saying "discovery tendered" and "receipt acknowledged." LOL
ReplyDeleteWow! Injustice Watch has provided invaluable details about several retention judges. Who knew that Anna D. and Maggie B. had so many reversals. And what's up with Sherlock's fee dispute? And why does Kristal Rivers violating the First Amendment so much? And Mahoney appears to have temperament issues.
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