A first look at retention judge results

To be retained for a new term (10 years for Appellate Court justices, 6 years for Circuit Court judges), a retention candidate must receive a better than 60% "Yes" vote.

In this brief first look, we will focus on some judges who have been targeted for removal by bar associations or other groups.
With 68.55% of City votes reported, Judge Kathy M. Flanagan has fallen below the 60% threshhold, with a 59.67% "Yes" vote. She is polling much better in the suburbs, however, with a 67.12% favorable vote. Combining the numbers gives Flanagan a 64.8% "Yes" vote. But the suburban numbers are nearly complete, and there are many more City votes to come.

Judge E. Kenneth Wright, Jr. is also below 60% in City voting so far -- with a 58.66% "Yes" vote. He has a 65.48% favorable vote in the suburbs, however. Combined, he has a 62.8% "Yes" vote at this hour.

Judge Shannon O'Malley has only a 54.65% favorable vote in the City of Chicago; suburban voters were more generous, giving O'Malley a 63.79% "Yes" vote. But, combined, that translates to a razor-thin 60.24% "Yes" vote.

If City votes continue to break as they have so far, O'Malley certainly, and possibly Wright and Flannagan as well, may be in danger of losing their retention bids.

More to come.