Saturday, March 03, 2012

Organizing the Data: countywide O'Mara Frossard vacancy

Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this vacancy. Information on this post will be updated as time permits until the March 20, 2012 primary.
Updated 3/17/12

Nichole C. Patton - #151



Campaign Website


Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:
Nichole Catina Patton is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Patton was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1997 and has varied practice experience in government, corporate law, and in private practice. Ms. Patton is currently working as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney handling mental health related issues. Although Ms. Patton has had both civil and criminal experience, she does not possess the depth and breadth of practice experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Nicole Patton was admitted to practice in 1997. She is currently a sole practitioner and was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney having practiced in the areas of real estate taxation, delinquency, child protection, traffic, and appeals. She reports acting as lead counsel in one civil jury, five criminal juries, 200 criminal bench trials, and 100 civil trials. She has handled 25 cases on appeal. Ms. Patton is considered to have good legal ability and temperament and has the reputation of being a good attorney. The Council is concerned, however, because while Ms. Patton has litigation experience, little of it is in more complex matters. She has the potential for being a good judge but the Council believes she is not yet ready for the bench. The Council finds her Not Qualified at this time.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area		Qualified
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater ChicagoRecommended
Cook County Bar AssociationRecommended
Decalogue Society of LawyersNot Recommended
Hellenic Bar AssociationNot Evaluated
Hispanic Lawyers Association of IllinoisQualified
Illinois State Bar AssociationNot Qualified
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of ChicagoRecommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of IllinoisQualified
Women’s Bar Association of IllinoisRecommended


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Kevin W. Horan - #152


Campaign Website

Questionnaire Responses: Chicago Tribune, Illinios Civil Justice League

Video Interviews: NTNM, Sonny Hersh Election Special

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:
Kevin W. Horan is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Horan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1979 and is currently a co-managing member of his law firm. Mr. Horan has litigation experience in both civil and criminal law and is well regarded for his work ethic and integrity. Mr. Horan possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Judge Kevin W. Horan was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. He was admitted to practice in 1979. Before becoming a judge, he was a partner with the law firm of Rock Fusco LLC. He served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney from 1979 to 1987. He then entered private practice with Rock Fusco & Garvey Ltd and became partner in 1991. Mr. Fusco is considered to have good legal ability and has substantial experience in more complex litigation matters in both state and federal courts. He is praised for his professionalism. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area		Qualified
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater ChicagoRecommended
Cook County Bar AssociationRecommended
Decalogue Society of LawyersRecommended
Hellenic Bar AssociationRecommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of IllinoisRecommended
Illinois State Bar AssociationQualified
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of ChicagoRecommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of IllinoisQualified
Women’s Bar Association of IllinoisRecommended

Endorsements
Chicago Tribune
Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7
Chicago Fire Fighters Union, Local 2 (recommended)

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Diann Karen Marsalek - #153

Candidate Website

Questionnaire Responses: Chicago Tribune, Illinios Civil Justice League

Candidate Statement: Cook County Clerk

Video Interviews: NTNM, Sonny Hersh Election Special, Issue Forum

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:
Diann K. Marsalek is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Marsalek was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1990 and currently serves as a Legal Advisor in the Administrative Hearings Department of the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office. Ms. Marsalek has extensive legal and trial experience and has a soft-spoken demeanor. Ms. Marsalek possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Diann Marsalek was admitted to practice in 1989. She spent 16 years in the Illinois Attorney General’s office doing litigation primarily for the Illinois Department of Corrections (DOC). Her initial 13 years in practice were primarily spent defending Section 1983 cases against the DOC in federal court, though she did also have some limited litigation experience in state court during this period. Her final three years in the AG’s office were spent as a “facilitator” for litigation involving the DOC and as a policy advisor concerning litigation and legislation. Ms. Marsalek is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council is concerned, however, that most of her litigation experience was earlier in her career and was in federal court. The Council finds her Not Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area		Qualified
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater ChicagoRecommended
Cook County Bar AssociationRecommended
Decalogue Society of LawyersRecommended
Hellenic Bar AssociationRecommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of IllinoisRecommended
Illinois State Bar AssociationQualified
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of ChicagoRecommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of IllinoisQualified
Women’s Bar Association of IllinoisRecommended

Endorsements
Chicago Federation of Labor
IVI-IPO
Latin American Police Association
Chicago Police Sergeants' Association
Personal PAC
Citizen Action Illinois
Italian American Political Coalition
United Hellenic Voters of America
Jewish Chicago
Arab American Democratic Club
Advocates Society
Illinois Committee for Honest Government
Chicago Fire Fighters Union, Local 2 (recommended)

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Roderick F. Wimberly - #154



Candidate Website

Video Interview: NTNM



Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:
Rodrick F. Wimberly is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Wimberly was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1995 and is currently engaged in the solo practice of law concentrating in criminal and family law matters. Mr. Wimberly has several pending inquiries with the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission and is facing a number of personal and professional financial problems. These problems raise significant questions and concerns about Mr. Wimberly’s professionalism.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Rodrick F. Wimberly did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area		Not Qualified
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater ChicagoNot Recommended
Cook County Bar AssociationNot Recommended
Decalogue Society of LawyersNot Recommended
Hellenic Bar AssociationNot Recommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of IllinoisNot Recommended
Illinois State Bar AssociationNot Qualified
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of ChicagoNot Recommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of IllinoisNot Qualified

Women’s Bar Association of IllinoisNot Recommended

Endorsement
Chicago Defender

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Organizing the Data: countywide Ward vacancy

Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this vacancy. Information on this post will be updated as time permits until the March 20, 2012 primary.
Updated 3/17/12

Alfred M. Swanson, Jr. - #169


Campaign Website

Questionnaire Response: Chicago Tribune

Video Interviews: NTNM(1), NTNM(2)


Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:
Judge Alfred M. Swanson, Jr. is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Swanson was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1982 and was appointed a Circuit Court Judge in 2010. Prior to his appointment to the Circuit Court, Judge Swanson concentrated his practice in litigation, tort and product liability, and general defense work. Judge Swanson has extensive civil litigation experience and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, work ethic, and fine judicial temperament.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Judge Alfred M. Swanson was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. He was admitted to practice in 1982. Before taking the bench, he did commercial and construction litigation in private practice. He served for three years as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General in the Consumer Fraud and Charitable Trust Divisions. As Editor of the ISBA Bench & Bar Section Newsletter, he frequently wrote or co-authored articles for publication in the newsletter. As a practitioner, Judge Swanson was considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He was highly regarded as a solid and diligent practitioner. As a judge, he is praised for his temperament and for his courtroom management skills. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area		Recommended
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater ChicagoRecommended
Cook County Bar AssociationRecommended
Decalogue Society of LawyersRecommended
Hellenic Bar AssociationRecommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of IllinoisRecommended
Illinois State Bar AssociationQualified
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of ChicagoRecommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of IllinoisQualified
Women’s Bar Association of IllinoisRecommended

Endorsements
Cook County Democratic Party
Chicago Federation of Labor
IVI-IPO
Chicago Fire Fighters Union, Local 2 (recommended)
Chicago Defender

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Denise Marie Nalley - #170




Candidate Website


Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:
The candidate declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association’s governing resolution for the JEC, is auto¬matically found NOT RECOMMENDED.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Marie Nalley did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area		Not Qualified
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater ChicagoNot Recommended
Cook County Bar AssociationNot Recommended
Decalogue Society of LawyersNot Recommended
Hellenic Bar AssociationNot Recommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of IllinoisNot Recommended
Illinois State Bar AssociationNot Qualified
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of ChicagoNot Recommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of IllinoisNot Qualified

Women’s Bar Association of IllinoisNot Recommended


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Elizabeth Mary Hayes - # 171



Campaign Website

Questionnaire Response: Chicago Tribune


Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:
Elizabeth Mary Hayes is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Hayes was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1986 and is currently serving as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender in the First Municipal District. At this stage of her career, Ms. Hayes does not possess the requisite knowledge of the law, temperament, demeanor, and practice experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Elizabeth Mary Hayes was admitted to practice in 1986. In 2010 she became an Assistant Cook County Public Defender involved in misdemeanor matters. From 1994 to 2007 she was a Hearing Officer in the Child Protection Division. From 2007 to 2010 she worked in the Child Protection Division as a court coordinator. She was a staff attorney with the Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission, Legal Advocacy Services from 1987 to 1993. The Council is concerned that her legal career lacks sufficient experience with litigation matters in more complex cases. Much of her work has been administrative in nature. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area		Qualified
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater ChicagoNot Recommended
Cook County Bar AssociationNot Recommended
Decalogue Society of LawyersNot Recommended
Hellenic Bar AssociationNot Recommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of IllinoisQualified
Illinois State Bar AssociationNot Qualified
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of ChicagoRecommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of IllinoisQualified

Women’s Bar Association of IllinoisNot Recommended

Endorsement
Chicago Fire Fighters Union, Local 2 (recommended)

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Joan Marie Kubalanza - #172

Campaign Website

Questionnaire Responses: Chicago Tribune, Illinois Civil Justice League

Candidate Statement: Cook County Clerk

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:
Judge Joan Marie G. Kubalanza is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Kubalanza was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1984 and clerked for an Illinois Supreme Court Justice for two years before entering private practice. Judge Kubalanza concentrated in commercial litigation and appellate practice. Judge Kubalanza served as an Associate Judge in 1998-1999 and was recalled in 2008. Judge Kubalanza is currently assigned to the Child Protection Division of the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Division. Judge Kubalanza knows the law, is hardworking, diligent, and possesses a fine demeanor.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Judge Kubalanza was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to be a trial judge in 2008. She is assigned to the Child Protection Division of the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Her assignment began on the date of her recall December 1, 2008. When she was on the bench previously as an Associate Judge, 1998 to 1999, she was also assigned to the Child Protection Division of the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Division. She was admitted to practice in 1984. Prior to becoming a judge, she was in private practice. Ms. Kubalanza is considered to have good legal ability and had solid litigation experience in more complex matters before taking the bench. She is praised for her temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area		Qualified
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater ChicagoRecommended
Cook County Bar AssociationRecommended
Decalogue Society of LawyersRecommended
Hellenic Bar AssociationRecommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of IllinoisRecommended
Illinois State Bar AssociationQualified
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of ChicagoRecommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of IllinoisQualified
Women’s Bar Association of IllinoisRecommended

Endorsements
Arab American Democratic Club
Advocates Society
Chicago Fire Fighters Union, Local 2 (recommended)

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Peter J. Vilkelis - #173


Campaign Website

Questionnaire Response:Chicago Tribune

Video Interviews: Issue Forum, NTNM

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:
Peter Vilkelis is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Vilkelis was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1980 and served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for nine years. Since that time, Mr. Vilkelis has been a sole practitioner concentrating in criminal defense work. Mr. Vilkelis enjoys an outstanding reputation for his integrity, legal knowledge, trial skills, temperament, and fine demeanor.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Peter J. Vilkelis was admitted to practice in 1980. He is in private practice focusing on criminal defense work. He served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney between 1981 and 1990. He is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for his professionalism. He has substantial experience in more complex legal matters. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area		Qualified
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater ChicagoRecommended
Cook County Bar AssociationRecommended
Decalogue Society of LawyersRecommended
Hellenic Bar AssociationRecommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of IllinoisRecommended
Illinois State Bar AssociationQualified
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of ChicagoRecommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of IllinoisQualified
Women’s Bar Association of IllinoisRecommended

Endorsements
Chicago Tribune
Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7
Jewish Chicago
Illinois Committee for Honest Government

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Brian J. Stephenson - #173


No candidate website known

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:
Brian J. Stephenson is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Stephenson was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1988 and is currently in private practice concentrating in civil and criminal law. Mr. Stephenson is an experienced practitioner with varied litigation experience. Mr. Stephenson has a fine temperament and possesses the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Brian Stephenson was admitted to practice in 1988. He has been in private practice throughout his career doing insurance defense, other types of civil litigation, and criminal defense. He is praised for his community service. He reports acting as lead counsel in 15 criminal jury cases, five civil jury cases, about 50 civil bench trials, and 25 criminal bench trials. Mr. Stephenson is considered to have good legal ability with a professional demeanor. He is respected as a good practitioner who is diligent and well-prepared. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area		Qualified
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater ChicagoRecommended
Cook County Bar AssociationRecommended
Decalogue Society of LawyersRecommended
Hellenic Bar AssociationRecommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of IllinoisHighly Qualified
Illinois State Bar AssociationQualified
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of ChicagoRecommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of IllinoisQualified
Women’s Bar Association of IllinoisRecommended


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Organizing the Data: countywide Stewart vacancy

Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this vacancy. Information on this post will be updated as time permits until the March 20, 2012 primary.
Updated 3/17/12

Pamela M. Leeming - #161

Candidate website

Questionnaire Response: Chicago Tribune

Candidate Statement: Cook County Clerk

Video Interview: Sonny Hersh Election Special

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:
Judge Pamela Leeming is “Qualified” to serve as a Recalled Judge of the Circuit Court. Judge Leeming was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1990 and served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender for twenty years before her appointment to the bench in 2009. Judge Leeming’s extensive knowledge and experience in Criminal Law has served her well on the bench. Judge Leeming is well respected for her integrity and excellent judicial demeanor. Judge Leeming is hardworking, conscientious, and enthusiastic about her role on the bench.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Judge Pamela M. Leeming was appointed to the bench in 2009 by the Illinois Supreme Court. She ran for election in the 2010 primary and was defeated. The Council found her Qualified for recall by the Illinois Supreme Court. Before being appointed to the bench she served an Assistant Cook County Public Defender since her admission to practice in 1990. She concentrated her practice in the areas of paternity, criminal misdemeanor, preliminary hearings, a variety of other pre- and post-trial matters, and appeals. As both a lawyer and as a judge, she is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council was concerned that as a lawyer she lacked breadth and depth in her legal experience, as well as an absence of sufficient experience in more complex litigation matters. As a judge she receives good marks for her temperament and ability to control a courtroom. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area		Qualified
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater ChicagoRecommended
Cook County Bar AssociationRecommended
Decalogue Society of LawyersRecommended
Hellenic Bar AssociationRecommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of IllinoisRecommended
Illinois State Bar AssociationQualified
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of ChicagoRecommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of IllinoisQualified
Women’s Bar Association of IllinoisRecommended

Endorsements
Cook County Democratic Party
Chicago Tribune
Arab American Democratic Club
Illinois Committee for Honest Government
Chicago Fire Fighters Union, Local 2

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Terrence M. Jordan - #162


Candidate Website

Questionnaire Response: Chicago Tribune

Candidate Statement: Cook County Clerk

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:
Terrence M. Jordan is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Jordan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1976 and worked as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago before entering private practice. Mr. Jordan concentrates his practice in litigation and Real Estate Law. Concerns about Mr. Jordan’s depth of practice and litigation experience coupled with concerns about his organizational and management skills resulted in a “Not Recommended” finding.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Terrence M. Jordan did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area		Not Qualified
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater ChicagoNot Recommended
Cook County Bar AssociationNot Recommended
Decalogue Society of LawyersNot Recommended
Hellenic Bar AssociationNot Recommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of IllinoisNot Recommended
Illinois State Bar AssociationNot Qualified
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of ChicagoNot Recommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of IllinoisNot Qualified

Women’s Bar Association of IllinoisNot Recommended


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Deidre Baumann - #163


Campaign Website

Questionnaire Response: Chicago Tribune

Video Interviews: NTNM(1), NTNM(2)

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:
Deidre Baumann is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Baumann was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1992 and is currently in private practice. While Ms. Baumann has practiced law for almost 20 years, concerns about the depth of her practice, legal ability, and diligence in effectively managing her time and caseload resulted in the Committee’s finding of “Not Recommended.”
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Deidre Baumann was admitted to practice in 1992. She has spent her career in private practice with a small firm or as a sole practitioner. She handles civil litigation primarily, in both state and federal courts. She reports acting as lead counsel in 12 civil and 8 criminal cases. She also reports having significant appellate experience. While many respondents had a favorable impression of her litigation experience, a significant number questioned whether she had been knowledgeable enough in the cases they had opposed her. Ms. Baumann has been the subject of unfavorable written opinions by two judges. Most respondents say that she has a good temperament. While Ms. Baumann appears to be a respected attorney by many, there are attorneys who question her level of knowledge in some of her cases. On balance, the Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area		Qualified
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater ChicagoRecommended
Cook County Bar AssociationRecommended
Decalogue Society of LawyersRecommended
Hellenic Bar AssociationNot Evaluated
Hispanic Lawyers Association of IllinoisRecommended
Illinois State Bar AssociationNot Qualified
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of ChicagoNot Recommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of IllinoisQualified
Women’s Bar Association of IllinoisRecommended

Endorsements
IVI-IPO
Chicago Teachers Union
Latin American Police Association
Personal PAC
Jewish Chicago
Chicago Defender

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Mary Margaret Burke - #164

No candidate website known

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:
Mary Margaret Burke is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Burke was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1989 and is currently serving as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney in the Medical Litigation Section. Ms. Burke also holds a masters degree in nursing and served as a registered nurse. Ms. Burke has handled complex litigation and is well regarded for her strong work ethic and even temperament.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Mary Margaret Burke did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area		Not Qualified
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater ChicagoNot Recommended
Cook County Bar AssociationNot Recommended
Decalogue Society of LawyersNot Recommended
Hellenic Bar AssociationNot Recommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of IllinoisNot Recommended
Illinois State Bar AssociationNot Qualified
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of ChicagoNot Recommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of IllinoisNot Qualified

Women’s Bar Association of IllinoisNot Recommended



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Sammy W. Lacey, Jr. - #165



Campaign Website (newly found; link now in Sidebar)

Candidate Statement: Cook County Clerk

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:
The candidate declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association’s governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Sammy W. Lacey, Jr. did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds Mr. Lacey Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area		Not Qualified
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater ChicagoNot Recommended
Cook County Bar AssociationNot Recommended
Decalogue Society of LawyersNot Recommended
Hellenic Bar AssociationNot Recommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of IllinoisNot Recommended
Illinois State Bar AssociationNot Qualified
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of ChicagoNot Recommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of IllinoisNot Qualified

Women’s Bar Association of IllinoisNot Recommended



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Rhonda Salleé - #166

Campaign Website

Questionnaire Response:Chicago Tribune

Candidate Statement: Cook County Clerk

Video Interview: NTNM

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:
Rhonda Salleé is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Salleé was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1999 and is currently in solo practice concentrating in family law matters. Ms. Salleé is in the early stages of her legal career and has had limited practice and court experience. The candidate needs additional time to expand the breadth and depth of her experience.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Rhoda Salleé was admitted to practice in Illinois in November 1999. She is a sole practitioner. From 2000 to 2009, Ms. Sallee´ worked part-time at Clarence L. Burch & Associates doing criminal defense work, and from 2003 to 2007 she was a Senior Attorney at Forest Preserve District of Cook County. From 1999 to 2002 she was a law clerk for the Circuit Court of Cook County. She is active in community affairs. Ms. Salleé is considered to be bright with a variety of professional experiences. The Council is concerned that during the evaluation, many respondents stated that she was often over zealous in her representation. Many respondents also commented on her temperament, saying she can be overly aggressive. The Council is also concerned that her practice at this time lacks sufficient depth – that she is an insufficient amount of litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area		Not Qualified
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater ChicagoNot Recommended
Cook County Bar AssociationRecommended
Decalogue Society of LawyersNot Recommended
Hellenic Bar AssociationNot Recommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of IllinoisQualified
Illinois State Bar AssociationNot Qualified
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of ChicagoNot Recommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of IllinoisNot Qualified

Women’s Bar Association of IllinoisNot Recommended



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Steve Demitro - #167




Campaign Website



Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:
The candidate declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association’s governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Steve Demitro did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area		Not Qualified
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater ChicagoNot Recommended
Cook County Bar AssociationNot Recommended
Decalogue Society of LawyersNot Recommended
Hellenic Bar AssociationNot Recommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of IllinoisNot Recommended
Illinois State Bar AssociationNot Qualified
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of ChicagoNot Recommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of IllinoisNot Qualified

Women’s Bar Association of IllinoisNot Recommended

Endorsements
Chicago Federation of Labor
Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7
Chicago Fire Fighters Union, Local 2 (recommended)

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Friday, March 02, 2012

Northwest Suburban Bar Association announces judicial candidate evaluations

The Northwest Suburban Bar Association has announced its evaluations of candidates running for judge in the 12th and 13th Subcircuits. Evaluations were announced only for candidates who were interviewed by the group. The NWSBA has two possible candidate ratings, "Recommended" and "Not Recommended."

In the race for the Pietrucha vacancy in the 13th Subcircuit, Ketki "Kay" Steffen, Paul S. Pavlus, and Nicholas G. Graspas were each interviewed and found "Recommended" by the NWSBA. Steffen, Pavlus and Graspas are all seeking nomination as Republicans in that race; no Democrat filed in that race.

In the race for the Rochford vacancy, Andrea M. Schleifer, Michael John Halloran, James C. Murray, and James P. Pieczonka were interviewed by the NWSBA. The NWSBA found Schleifer, Halloran and Murray "Recommended." Pieczonka was found "Not Recommended." Pieczonka is unopposed for the Republican nomination. Schleifer, Halloran and Murray are three of the five candidates seeking the Democratic nomination in that race.
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United Hellenic Voters of America makes endorsements in judicial races

The United Hellenic Voters of America has announced endorsements in a number of races on the March 20 primary ballots in Cook and DuPage County including the following Cook County judicial endorsements:

For the Illinois Supreme Court
Aurelia Pucinski

For the Illinois Appellate Court
Kay Marie Hanlon (Cahill Vacancy)
Jesse G. Reyes (O'Brien Vacancy)

For the Circuit Court
Diann Karen Marsalek (Countywide O'Mara Frossard Vacancy)
Lorna Ellen Propes (Countywide Pucinski Vacancy)
Michael A. Forti (Countywide Simmons, Jr. Vacancy)
Michael Ian Bender (9th Subcircuit - Bender Vacancy)
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Endorsements by Illinois Fraternal Order of Police in Supreme, Appellate Court races

The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police, Illinois State Lodge has endorsed Justice Mary Jane Theis in her bid to remain on the Illinois Supreme Court.

The ILFOP has also announced three endorsements in First District Appellate Court races. The ILFOP has endorsed Judge James M. McGing for the Cahill vacancy, Judge Marguerite Anne Quinn for the Gallagher vacancy and Judge Jesse G. Reyes for the O'Brien vacancy.

Daniel Nelson, General Counsel and Director of Governmental Affairs for the ILFOP, advised FWIW that the ILFOP does not make endorsements for circuit judges. In an email, Nelson wrote that local lodges, like the Chicago Lodge No. 7, are encouraged to participate in local issues.

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Related: Chicago FOP updates judicial endorsements
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Endorsements vs. evaluations

I am spending a lot of time these days trying to track down and confirm the many different endorsements being claimed by Cook County judicial candidates.

It's not that I don't believe them -- I do! -- but the motto of the old City News Bureau was, "If your mother says she loves you, check it out." I'm a lawyer, not a journalist, but this seems a useful policy even for an amateur like me. Also, it strikes me as unfair to report only that Candidate A was endorsed by the Butchers, Bakers & Candlestick Makers Union when Candidates B, C and D were also endorsed by that group. Candidate A usually doesn't know who else received an endorsement that he or she wants to publicize.

In reporting both endorsements and evaluations on this blog, I recognize that I run the risk of creating confusion between the two.

Endorsements and positive evaluations (like "Qualified" or "Recommended") are not the same. As you look at the ratings issued by the bar groups you will note that, in some races, every candidate, or nearly every candidate, has been qualified or highly qualified by every group. Obviously, the voter can not vote for all of these. In a couple of races, some bar associations may find that no candidate is qualified. But that bar association is not telling voters to refuse to vote in that race.

Voters reading through the evaluations of the various bar associations will find that, sometimes, the groups disagree with each other. This does not mean that one group is right or the other is wrong. It does mean that hard-working judicial evaluation committees sometimes reach different conclusions even though they are evaluating the same data. Reasonable people can sometimes differ.

The Chicago Bar Association and the members of the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening do not endorse any candidate; they provide their evaluations so that you, the voter, may make a more informed decision when you vote.

On the other hand, a group that makes an endorsement is suggesting that you vote for a particular candidate. Whether you, the voter, will find an endorsement persuasive in a given race will presumably depend on your knowledge of, and trust in, the group making the endorsement.

Evaluations and endorsements are tools for voters to use. It is up to each voter to decide how much weight to give any particular evaluation or endorsement.
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Judicial endorsements from the Italian American Political Coalition

The Italian American Political Coalition has published its judicial endorsements on its website.

In the Supreme Court race, the IAPC offers both Aurelia Pucinski and Mary Jane Theis as choices.

Jesse Reyes (O'Brien vacancy) was the only Appellate Court candidate endorsed by the organization.

In contested countywide races for the Circuit Court, the IAPC bestowed its endorsement on Diann Karen Marsalek (O'Mara Frossard vacancy), Edward J. Maloney (Pucinski vacancy), and Michael Forti (Simmons, Jr. vacancy).

Edward M. Maloney (4th Subcircuit - "A" vacancy) and Judge Daniel Lawrence Peters (4th Subcircuit - Riley vacancy) received endorsements from the IAPC, as did Mark Battaglia (7th Subcircuit - Toney vacancy) and Roxanne L. Rochester (7th Subcircuit - Starks vacancy).

The IAPC endorsed Celia Gamrath in the race for the Chiola vacancy in the 8th Subcircuit and also Roger Zamparo (11th Subcircuit - O'Brien vacancy) and Lisa Ann Marino (11th Subcircuit - Urso vacancy).

Two unopposed Cook County judicial candidates also received endorsements from the IAPC, Judge Russell Hartigan (countywide Moran vacancy) and James Paul Pieczonka (unopposed Republican candidate for the Rochford vacancy in the 12th Subcircuit.)
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Chicago Police Sergeants' Association makes judicial endorsements

The Chicago Police Sergeants' Association has posted judicial endorsements on its website.

The CPSA endorsed Aurelia Pucinski for the Illinois Supreme Court. For the Appellate Court, the Sergeants singled out James M. McGing (Cahill vacancy) and Marguerite Anne Quinn (Gallagher vacancy).

The CPSA made endorsements in two contested countywide judicial races, picking Kevin Cunningham for the Kinnaird vacancy and Diann Karen Marsalek for the O'Mara Frossard vacancy. In the race for the Pucinski vacancy, where Edward J. Maloney is facing Judge Lorna Propes, the Sergeants said, "The CPSA finds both to be qualified but is not making any specific endorsement."

The Chicago Police Sergeants' Association made only one endorsement in a subcircuit race, choosing to support Edward M. Maloney in his bid for the "A" vacancy in the 4th Subcircuit.
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