Cook County Democratic Party to offer "Road to the Robe" presentation on May 17

The Cook County Democratic Party will offer potential judicial candidates a program on "the ins and outs about running for judge," with presentations from "experts in the field," on Wednesday, May 17, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., at the Mid-America Carpenters Chicago Training Facility, 2141 S. Union Ave. Free parking will be provided for this in-person "Road to the Robe" event.

Jacob Kaplan, the Executive Director of the Cook County Democratic Party, told FWIW that the lineup of speakers has not yet been finalized, though he does not expect elected officials to be among the main speakers. In other words, the event will not provide any meaningful opportunity to buttonhole Cook County Board President (and Party Chair) Toni Preckwinkle or State Senate President Don Harmon, the Chair of the Party's Circuit Court Committee. Would anyone seriously expect otherwise? And how could anyone hope to elbow all the other judicial hopefuls aside whilst doing so?

But chances are pretty good that someone like election lawyer Thomas M. Jaconnetty will be pressed into service. He has spoken at events like this previously. Jaconetty has traditionally represented slated candidates, and has a wealth of experience. Someone will talk about fundraising and record-keeping and reporting. Kaplan will talk about how the Party's slating process works. If I receive any more definite information about speakers, I will update.

The event is free, but registration is required. To register, visit https://www.cookcountydems.com/robe/.